Utahns have been social distancing for the last few months to serve the public good and that can come with psychological challenges. The loss of routine, fear of infection, financial burden, and isolation from others can take a tole on our mental health.
Hope 4 Utah and Hope Squads throughout the state provide peer-to-peer suicide prevention through education, training, and peer intervention. They want to raise public awareness and education, reduce stigma, and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide. Hope Squads are now in 25 states and have referred over 3,000 students for help. The best things you can do to take care of yourself, be open and show empathy for those around you, and learn how to help someone through a crisis.
Hope 4 Utah urges you to recognize some suicide warning signs like giving possessions away, talking about killing themselves, or feeling hopeless. Then take action to get them help. To learn more visit hopesquad.com.
SelectHealth recognizes the life-saving interventions by Hope 4 Utah as another example of how Utah Gives Back.