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You don't need to be a news expert to recognize the truth - that Utah
is experiencing an epidemic of depression, suicide, and prescription opioid
misuse. But here's one other truth. All of us can learn to take
positive action to help make certain these issues don't devastate the
lives of our families, friends and loved ones. That's why our stations
are joining together to bring you information and resources you need to
fight these very real but solvable problems. Because a Healthy Mind Matters.
The Quiet Crisis: How first responders will help fill the trauma-informed therapy gap
Tens of thousands of first responders put their life and emotional wellbeing on the line every day in Utah. But who cares for them when their own mental wellbeing is on the line?
LGBTQ+ Teens tend to suffer more from mental illness and suicide ideation, study shows
Teens across the United States are struggling more and more with mental illness and suicide ideation, especially LGBTQ+ teens.
Supporting minority teens in Utah: Overcoming challenges and finding solutions
Being a teenager can be challenging enough but imagine facing those difficulties as a minority in a predominantly white community. A recent student risk assessment survey found Black and Hispanic students are more likely to feel unsafe at school.
Teens in Crisis: The concerning increase in sadness, depression among teen girls
According to new data from the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey, teen girls are facing higher levels of sadness and hopelessness than ever before. It's a trend concerning Utah doctors and many Utah families.
Jordan School District prioritizing mental health for students and staff
In 2021, 3-in-5 teen girls said they felt persistently sad and hopeless, and more than 1-in-4 girls reported they seriously considered attempting suicide -- up significantly since 2011.
Utah drops out of top 10 states for highest suicide rate, but experts remain concerned
For the first time in years, Utah is not in the top 10 states for the highest suicide rate. While some may be quick to applaud the improvement, Utah's suicide experts share why they remain concerned.
Utah lawmaker questions schools leaving money on the table for mental health screenings
Schools screen vision and hearing, so why not mental health? While funding is available, most Utah schools do not take part in a state program to provide mental health screenings in school, even though suicide is the number one cause of death among Utah teens.
100-mile walk to Wendover raises awareness for suicide prevention
Several Utahns are taking part in the annual 100-mile walk to Wendover from Tooele City to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Why bipolar episodes tend to rise in the spring
The change of seasons can be really hard for people who struggle with their mental health. Winter months can lead to more depression, and the shift to spring can lead to more bipolar episodes.
Today is Teen Mental Wellness Day – here’s ways to help your teen
Teenagers who are struggling with their mental health are not always eager or ready to reach out for help. Thursday is Teen Mental Wellness Day, so we wanted to share some ideas with teens and parents who are seeking answers.
Study: African American and Black adults are more likely to suffer from mental illness than white adults
A recent NAMI study shows that African American and Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress.
St. George mom shares warning after FBI sees rise in sextortion scams targeting teen boys
A St. George mom is sharing a warning for other parents, as the FBI says it's seeing a huge rise in teens targeted in sextortion scams.
Students across Utah come together to learn the importance of mental health care
Mental health, wellness and suicide prevention — they're all big topics of conversation, and more and more, those conversations include our kids. That's where Hope Squad is coming in to help.
Tips to set realistic mental health goals
If you are planning on setting a goal to prioritize your mental health this year, Dr. Kristin Francis at Huntsman Mental Health Institute recommends starting with small goals.
Tragedy to triumph: how a Utah family is honoring their son
The heartwarming way a Utah family is honoring the life of their son while helping others.
Utah professional soccer player steps away from sport prioritizing mental heath
Jeff Dewsnup was known as the best goalkeeper in the state and even the country, signed to play professional soccer at just 16. But, the pressure of playing a high-level sport like that at such a young age took a toll on his mental health.
New 988 mental health crisis line sees ‘eye-opening’ rise in calls, texts, chats in first 6 months, data shows
Since the summer launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the new three-digit number has seen a significant rise in call volume
Hope Squad works to provide mental health advocacy, suicide prevention in Utah schools
Thanks to Hope Squad, a Utah-based program, students in elementary through high school are developing tools needed to care for themselves mentally and share that hope with others.
Much needed home for seriously mentally ill men to re-open in Midvale
A mental health facility for Salt Lake County’s most needy and vulnerable men is getting ready to re-open after it was shut down a year ago due to deplorable living conditions.
The importance of checking in on the ‘forgotten population’
As the days get shorter and the snow lingers, it becomes hard for older adults to do activities outside of the house, which can lead to loneliness and isolation.
FBI: Steep climb in teens targeted by online ‘sextortion’
The FBI sounded the alarm Monday about an explosive increase in teenage boys being targeted online and extorted for money after being tricked into sending sexually explicit pictures.
KSL+: Addressing mental health and loneliness during the holidays
The most wonderful time of the year can also be among the most difficult times. Inflation is leading more people to food banks leading more people to food banks and the pandemic and other circumstances have taken a toll on the mental health of many.
New UFA fire station in Midvale designed with firefighter mental health in mind
The Unified Fire Authority’s newest station in Midvale was designed with mental health in mind.