‘We have to talk about it’: Overcoming the mental health stigma
May 29, 2025, 2:24 PM | Updated: 5:41 pm
LOGAN — It can affect people of all ages, and Utah’s mental health rate remains higher than the national average.
“This is like any other medical condition or concern. We have to talk about it,” said Regina Dickinson, a licensed clinical social worker at the Intermountain Health Dayspring Clinic. “Because we have this stigma built around it, people don’t talk about it. We need to feel comfortable talking about it.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” Dickinson said we “take action” by watching for withdrawal or disengagement in those around us.
“A lot of times people will become quiet,” she said. “Maybe you were meeting with your friends once a month for lunch, and all of a sudden you haven’t seen somebody in a couple of weeks. That is one of the biggest signs is that isolation.”
When talking to a loved one, ask open-ended questions, such as, “What’s been going on lately?” and actively listen to their response.
“Just listen, and say, ‘I can be here for you.’ I know it makes some of us scared because we don’t know what to do in that situation. But once again, just listen. That’s what somebody needs,” Dickinson said. “If you can do that component, then you’re on the step to guiding them to the help that they may need.”
You can offer to help them find resources, but don’t push them.
“Sometimes people aren’t ready to seek that outside help, but you can be a support,” Dickinson said. “Maybe take them to a yoga class or even take them for a walk. We know nature is amazing for reducing stress and reducing anxiety.”
Breaking Barriers: Seeking help for mental health – a special documentary on KSL
Dickinson also noted the importance of setting healthy boundaries. “Sometimes we give so much of ourselves that we have nothing yet left for ourselves,” she said. “We need to set those healthy boundaries and say, ‘Okay, I do want to help in these situations, and this is how far I can help and this is what I can do for others.'”
Suicide Prevention Resources
Additional resources
- CredibleMind: Intermountain Health has free self-care resources with CredibleMind for people of all ages.
- Behavioral Health Line: The Intermountain Behavioral Health Navigation Line offers callers guidance, tools and referrals for people experiencing mental health issues. being. It’s free and available seven days a week at 833-442-2211.
- SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
- SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
- SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
- Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
- LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith-based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.
- NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
- Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
- Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
- The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
- Latino Behavioral Health Services
- Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.
