Introduction to the Topic
Content Warning: This page contains sensitive topics related to suicide and suicide prevention. We understand that these subjects can be distressing for some. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek help from a mental health professional or a crisis hotline. Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available.
Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, you can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
You can also access the student resources available to you through your program.
Please take care of yourself while viewing, and know that it's okay to step away if you need to. Your well-being is important.
Meet the Speaker
I'm Brooklann (Brook) Anderson, she/her, Co- Chair of Programs for the Utah Chapter. I was born in Utah and spent most of my youth in Lehi (UT), Bellingham (WA) and Sun Valley (ID). The minute I turned 18 I was off to Los Angeles where I lived for 19 years. In 2017, it was time for me to say goodbye to California life and settle back into my hometown. I rekindled with my first love and have been married for 6 years, together, we have 4 amazing kids.
I started my journey with AFSP in 2021, and love everything about the foundation. My connection to the cause is the loss of my boyfriend as a teenager, and multiple attempts by individuals very close to my heart. AFSP has played such a large part in my healing journey and everyday life, that I now have a career in suicide prevention. I'm currently employed at NAMI Utah and help oversee our suicide prevention grant. My goal in this beautiful life of mine, is to let people know they are never alone. There's always help and amazing people who want to hear your story, and help guide you through your process.
Presentation
Resources
All resources and descriptions on this page are provided by the Utah crisis and suicide prevention resources sheet, which can be accessed using the link below.
Call 911 if you or someone else are in danger or in an emergency. Call 988 if you need any help with mental health or substance use—it doesn’t have to be an emergency.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat 988 if you are having a hard time. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Crisis workers are available to help if you’re in distress, thinking of suicide, or need emotional support. Interpreters who speak more than 150 languages are available.
What happens when I call 988?
Crisis workers answer your call or text as quickly as possible. However, it may take a few minutes to get you to the best person to help. Don’t hang up!
988 recognizes your phone’s area code. Your call will be answered by local, Utah crisis workers if your phone number has a Utah area code. Your call or text will be answered by crisis workers who may not be in Utah if your phone number has an area code from another state.
There are 3 options to choose from when you call on the phone:
- Press 1 for veterans.
- Press 2 if you want to speak to someone in Spanish.
- Press 3 for LGBTQ support services.
- It will send you to the first available crisis worker if you don’t choose any of the options listed above.
Mobile crisis outreach teams
Mobile crisis outreach teams (also called MCOTs) provide free face-to-face help for Utahns who are having a mental health challenge. Trained crisis workers will meet you wherever you are – at home, work, school, or anywhere in your community. Mobile crisis outreach teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They will be in an unmarked vehicle to protect your privacy. Call 988 to get help from a mobile crisis outreach team.
Receiving centers
These centers provide a safe space to be when you’re having a mental health challenge but don’t need to be hospitalized. The centers feel like a home environment. People who have had similar experiences are there to listen and help (called peer respite). You only stay at a receiving center for one day (24 hours or less). Call 988 to access a receiving center near you.
Stabilization and mobile response (SMR)
Provides intensive, in-home intervention services to children, youth, and families. Services are typically provided 2-3 times a week for 6-8 weeks. Services are for youth who are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, high family conflict, self-harm, or substance use. Helps families create plans to help prevent and manage future crises and connects them with helpful and ongoing resources. Call 988 to access these services.
SafeUT apps
Download the SafeUT apps to chat with a licensed counselor for support or submit a confidential tip right from your phone. The apps are free and available for iPhone and Android devices. SafeUT is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
There are different apps for different groups of people:
- SafeUT app is for students, parents, and educators.
- SafeUT Frontline is for first responders and frontline healthcare workers.
- SafeUTNG is for members of the Utah National Guard and their families.
Warm Line 833-773-2588
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to about your struggles with mental health or substance use. They have certified peer support specialists to help you solve problems. It’s free and open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Behavioral Health Services Navigation
33-442-2211 for adults or 801-313-7711 for kids and teens
This hotline can help you find and access behavioral health resources. It’s sponsored by Intermountain Health and free for anyone who needs mental health support. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, 7 days a week.
Caring Connections 801-585-9522
The University of Utah College of Nursing offers grief support groups to help you cope with a different kind of loss and grief, including suicide. The groups are 8 weeks in length and led by social workers, nurses, counselors, and psychologists.
The Sharing Place 801-466-6730
The Sharing Place provides grief support services to youth, teens, and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Develop coping skills through activities like art, play, and physical activity.