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.
(Huntsman Mental Institute)...

‘Healing Out Loud’ short film contest invites students to talk about mental health

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) and University of Utah Health are creating a short film contest titled,  “Healing Out Loud,” to encourage college students to have open and inclusive conversations about mental health.
FILE PHOTO (KSL-TV)...

Jordan School District giving teachers a ‘heath and wellness day’

Teachers in the Jordan School District are taking some time out Friday as part of their first-ever health and wellness day.
(Used by Permission Huntsman Mental Health Institute)...

Pandemic fatigue? Here’s what experts from Huntsman Mental Health institute suggest

If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or angry because it doesn’t seem the pandemic will ever end, you’re not alone.
FILE PHOTO (KSL TV)...

Riverton program aims to help teens navigate mental health challenges

The city of Riverton in Salt Lake County is fighting against the alarming mental health troubles among teens with a special program called "Live in Real Life."
Natalee Fox works as a travel agent in her home office. Her profession has been hit hard by the pan...

Building ‘mental antibodies’: 6 ways to cope with pandemic fatigue

Feeling exhausted, frustrated, or hopeless? These are common feelings weighing Utahns down as omicron spikes, and the setbacks seem endless. A psychiatrist has suggestions on how to build up your mental antibodies.
FILE (Getty Images)...

Canyons School District offers new mental health screenings for students

Mental health continues to be a big issue for students during the pandemic. Part of the problem is identifying students who might have some challenges with mental health, even if the student doesn't know it themselves. That's why the Canyons School District will hold another screening for students.
(Used by Permission Huntsman Mental Health Institute)...

Report: Demand jumped for mental health services in Utah in 2021 

Amid a record surge in COVID cases, demand for a far less visible illness reached a record high in 2021 in Utah, according to a new report from Huntsman Mental Health Institute. 
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Utah woman: ‘As soon as it gets darker, my body changes,’ of seasonal affective disorder

As winter sets in and the days are darker, it's important to notice signs and address seasonal depression.
Governor Spencer Cox said he understands from his personal experience how mental health can affect ...

Gov. Cox, first lady share personal experiences, host summit on childhood mental health 

Utah’s second annual summit about children’s mental health focused on the need to improve access to programs in the state and also the pandemic’s impact on children. 
A large number of American flags, honoring the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, are on di...

National Guard celebrates 385th birthday

It would take a whole battalion, perhaps more, to put candles on a birthday cake for the National Guard.
Alyson and George Deussen say their son, Stockton, dreamed of opening a diner....

Parents of gay teen who died by suicide dedicated to helping other LGBTQ teens 

The LGBTQ community in Utah faces a significantly higher risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. Teens are at an even greater risk. The state's Suicide Prevention Plan is aimed at turning around the trend, and a family in North Salt Lake has made it their mission to help. 
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U.S. Surgeon General: Teens struggling with mental health more than ever before 

A 2021 Advisory just released by The U.S. Surgeon General called “Protecting Youth Mental Health” painted a sobering picture of the mental health of America’s youth.  
Jaime Welch (YouTube, Salt Lake City Police Department)...

‘It’s OK to not be OK’: SLPD hires mental health counselor for employees 

The Salt Lake City Police Department now has a licensed clinical mental health counselor to help struggling officers and other employees. 
(Used by Permission Huntsman Mental Health Institute)...

Huntsman Mental Health Institute partners with community organizations

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute is working with a variety of local organizations to improve the culture and treatment for those who struggle with mental health.
Britain Covey #18 of the Utah Utes warms up before their game against the BYU Cougars September 11,...

Britain Covey promotes suicide prevention program, sharing personal loss

Britain Covey, wide receiver for the University of Utah's football program, announced his support for an equestrian and life skills training program for women after he lost two young cousins to suicide.
FILE: Davis School District....

Independent investigation will look at bullying in Davis School District

An independent investigation will be done into how the Davis School District handles reports of bullying. It comes after the death of Isabella "Izzy" Faith Tichenor, a 10-year-old girl who took her own life after her family says she was bullied at school.
Hope Squad members learn how to recognize if a student is struggling and may need help. (KSL TV)...

Preventing suicide is goal of ‘Hope Squad’ training in Utah

About 200 students traveled to Provo Thursday for training on how to help prevent suicide at their schools through a Hope Squad. 
Heroes Haven is a place for vets to deal with their return to civilian life after leaving the milit...

Utah veterans get mental health help at Heroes Haven

During the past two decades, America’s wars created a new generation of veterans. Like many who went before them, some struggled with their mental health when they came home. 
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Number of Unified firefighters seeking mental health support doubles

Mental health continues to be a growing concern among first responders. In the past two years, the number of Unified Fire Authority firefighters seeking mental health support has doubled. KSL's Alex Cabrero spoke with some firefighters about that.
Jamie Buttars shows his gun safe.  (KSL TV)...

Cafe owners offer safe place for customers to store their guns

The owners of one Cache Valley business are reaching out to help people in crisis by giving them a safe place to keep their guns.  
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Utah’s suicide rate remains flat, more people reaching out for help

Utah’s suicide rate has remained about the same for the last five years. Advocates say that’s a good thing. Heather Simonsen digs into the state’s next steps to save more lives.
(Safe UT Frontline)...

SafeUT app saves lives during COVID-19 pandemic

The SafeUT smartphone app and mental health system immediately started helping children in crisis when it launched five years ago. Today, it continues to support teens and young adults, mentally and emotionally, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Alpine School District Suicide Prevention Coalition produced postcards with instructions and re...

Alpine District sending mental health crisis postcards to 114,000 households

Officials with the Alpine School District urged families to watch their mailboxes for an important magnet postcard that has instructions and resources on what to do during a mental health emergency.
(KSL TV)...

Walk for suicide prevention raises nearly $250,000

More than 3,000 Utahns met in West Jordan Saturday morning to raise awareness about suicide, the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.

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