SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) - September is National Suicide Prevention Month and it’s important to know that there are new resources to help you or your loved ones.

 Intermountain Health has continued to build on the local hotline resource in response to growing behavioral health needs in communities throughout the state. This includes Intermountain Health’s Connect Care/Behavioral Health Hotline – the telehealth option for anyone in the state to use.  The Intermountain Behavioral Health Navigation Line, which originally started as a support line during the COVID-19 pandemic, gives Utahns a free resource to talk to someone about low-risk stressors to more complex issues, such as crisis and serious mental health needs. Intermountain behavioral health counselors who answer the line can refer people to a variety of resources if there are needs for long-term help.  Expansion of Intermountain Behavioral Health Emergency Services include Emergency Access Centers located at Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, and Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital and are there for critical behavioral health crisis needs. Intermountain Health has also partnered with the Live On campaign to help get the message out on how to help other. You can find more at liveonutah.org. Here are three key words to remember when thinking of suicide prevention:1) Know2) Help3) Heal 1) KnowKnow the risk factors and warning signs of suicide:– Changes in behavior or mood.– Recent rejection or divorce.– Giving away belongings.– Increased use of alcohol or drugs.– Talking about death, hopelessness, or being a burden to others.– Financial loss or instability.– Check-in with yourself and others: If you think someone may be considering suicide, ask them! You can try questions, like “Seems like something is up, do you want to talk about it?” “Have you had thoughts about suicide?” or “Are you considering ending your life?”– Complete Question Persuade Refer (QPR) training.– Help de-stigmatize shame around mental health. 2) Help– Help yourself and others.– If someone is in acute crisis, call 911 or the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Hotline. You call also contact the Intermountain Behavioral Health Navigation Services at 833-442-2211 for help.› Practice self-care.› Try the myStrength app, use code “Intermountain” for free sign-up. 3) Heal– If you have been impacted by death by suicide, you are not alone. Intermountain Health has people and resources that can help you cope following a loss. If you or a loved one is looking for mental well-being help, contact Intermountain Health free Behavioral Health Navigation Line at 833-442-2211. If someone is in danger of hurting themselves, contact the National Suicide Lifeline at #988.

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