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.
Charla and Steve Ferguson of Hurricane are facing high levels of stress during COVID-19. (File cour...

4 Survival Tips For Young Families Facing Emotional Stress, Strain

Many young families are facing unimaginable levels of emotional stress and strain. Here’s some clear advice on how to survive in the chaos.
Intensive Care Nurse Brittany Critchfield left her home in Orem to help on the front lines in Long ...

Healthy Mind Matters: Support For Utah Health Care Workers During COVID-19

In this Healthy Mind Matters reports, Heather Simonsen explains how healthcare workers are finding support.
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Utah Leaders Create Statewide COVID-19 Emotional Health Relief Hotline

Utah health officials have followed the lead of New York and other states by creating a statewide emotional health relief hotline, designed specifically to help people struggling with their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Utah Is Preparing To Meet The Mental Health Demands Of COVID-19

Although the Beehive state consistently ranks among the top ten for suicide, Utah has never before experienced so much critical need for mental health resources.
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Virtual Recreation Keeps Kids Connected, Improves Mental Health

In addition to school being canceled, many after school sports and activities have also been put on hold. Local coaches and instructors are going out of their way to not only help their athletes stay active, but emotionally and mentally engaged.
Heidi O’Donoghue, a mindfulness instructor who lives in Salt Lake City says by staying grounded i...

Healthy Mind Matters: Staying Safe & Sane During Stressful Times

In this Healthy Mind Matters report, KSL offers simple strategies anyone can do to stay safe and sane during these stressful times.
Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy....

Utah State Legislature Passes ‘Crown Jewel,’ Other Mental Health Bills

The Utah State Legislature wrapped up its 2020 legislative session this week and multiple bills focusing on mental health and suicide prevention will head to Gov. Gary Herbert's desk.
Stephen Christopher Anthony as 'Evan Hansen' and the North American touring company of DEAR EVAN HA...

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Musical Helps Local Teens Further Suicide Prevention Message

A local Hope Squad is viewing the musical "Dear Evan Hansen" and using it to spark a conversation to help teens through thoughts of depression and suicide.
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Intermountain Healthcare Announces First Ever ‘Opioid-Free Surgery’ Program

Intermountain Healthcare became the first health system in Utah to establish an "opioid-free surgery" program for patients looking for alternative pain control methods.
The Utah Department of Health teamed up today with YWCA Utah to announce a new resource for mothers...

New Online Resource For Utah Women Facing Maternal Depression, Anxiety

A new online mental health resource is available for Utah women facing maternal depression or anxiety.
"Every Brilliant Thing" is an interactive production designed to help students recognize their wort...

Utah Shakespeare Festival Shares Suicide Prevention Message With Students

The Utah Shakespeare Festival took a special message on tour to high schools and universities throughout the state this year at no charge.
Charlie Ellis found himself in a mental health crisis last December. Instead of receiving the help ...

‘Crown Jewel’ Bill Seeking To Build Mental Health Crisis Centers Passes Utah House

A bill that seeks to fund crisis receiving centers for people facing a mental health crisis passed the Utah House on Thursday. One Utah man said a solution like this could have made a difference for him when he was in crisis a couple of months ago.
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Payson Man Known For Life-Saving Wave Honored With ‘Heroes’ Award

A Payson man received a special honor by the Utah Attorney General for the small gesture he made that saved a man’s life.
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Suicide Prevention Advocates Urge Lawmakers To Prioritize Mental Health

Mental health continues to be a key focus on the hill this legislative session and advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention met with lawmakers to urge them to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health legislation on Thursday.
Alyson and Darrin Allred cherish the memories of Darrin’s brother, Alex Allred, who died from sui...

Utah Husband & Father Opens Up About Struggle With Depression, Loss Of Brother To Suicide

Middle-aged men in Utah are most at risk for suicide, according to data from the Utah Department of Health, and one Utah family still reeling from a devastating loss knows that all too well.
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Junior Hope Squads Combating Bullying, Suicide In Elementary Schools

Nearly 800 elementary school kids were learning how to be better friends and reach out to others at a special junior Hope Squad event held at Clearfield High School.
An online tool, designed by a USU professor to help people with their mental help needs, is availab...

USU Develops Mental Health App, Makes it Free For Students

An online tool designed by a Utah State University professor to help people with their mental help needs is now available to the public and free for USU students.
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Utah Woman Prevents Stranger’s Suicide On The Side Of The Highway

What she did next made all the difference. "It immediately struck me that something was off," said Kelli Snider of Paradise.

Suicide Prevention Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Huntsville Mayor Jim Truett also serves as the Weber Fire District Board of Trustees' treasurer....

Weber Fire District Creates PTSD Support Program For Retirees

The Weber Fire District Board of Trustees announced the department has created an association to help fire district retirees deal with the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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Davis County Pilot Program Offers Recovery Instead Of Jail Time

Next door to the Davis County Jail, a building that used to house the jail's work-release program is now ready to help people who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Sunset Elementary became one of the first schools to add a Wellness Center last year. Since then, b...

Utah Schools Using Innovative Approach To Improve Student Mental Health

A room inside Washington School District schools is showing success in cutting down on classroom disruptions.
The Use Only As Directed campaign said it only takes seven days for someone to become addicted to o...

Speak Out, Opt Out, Throw Out: Utah Woman Wishes She Never Touched Prescription Opioids

It only takes seven days for someone to become addicted to opioids, which is why the Use Only As Directed campaign urges us to speak out about the risk of addiction, opt out by using alternatives and throw out unused medication.
This photo, submitted by the Thorne family, shows Matthew and his siblings a few days before his 18...

Utah Family Finds Hope After Losing Son To Suicide

Too many Utah families know the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one to suicide. Navigating that grief takes community and support.

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