ST. GEORGE — The words National Mental Health Awareness Month mean something to 1 in 5 adults in Southern Utah and the nation. At least, that’s what data from the National Institutes of Health says.
But the area, and the state as a whole, has catching up to do.
Utah has the largest percentage of its population – 30% – reportedly facing some form of mental illness, according to the latest report by Mental Health America. The same report ranks Utah sixth-to-last for mental health care with half of those needing mental health care in the state not having access to it.
Mental health has been an ongoing project for Republican Rep. Chris Stewart, the congressman who represents Southern Utah. He sponsored the legislation that established the 988 National Suicide Lifeline and is the co-chair of Congress’ Mental Health Caucus.
Stewart said one of the reasons for a National Mental Health Awareness Month is to end the stigma that leaves those with well-being issues too ashamed to seek help.
“We’re in the middle of an unprecedented mental health crisis, and it’s necessary that we elevate the conversation around this all-important issue,” Stewart said in a statement. “We can end the stigma of mental health, improve critical resources for those in need, and find bipartisan solutions – the Mental Health Caucus is proof of our progress. But the fight is far from over, and we can only hope for a healthier nation if we all do our collective duty to raise awareness.”
The term mental illness applies to so-called “mild” forms of mental illness like depression and anxiety. It includes autism and attention spectrum disorders or more life-threatening hits to a person’s well-being like eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia and other psychosis.
Mental Health Awareness Month started as an initiative by the National Association for Mental Health, now Mental Health America, in 1949 but is now an act of both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. But there are growing efforts locally to both draw awareness to mental health issues and help those afflicted by them.
This includes:
- The under-construction Washington County Receiving Center in Hurricane that will serve as a one-stop facility for all Southern Utah residents in the five counties that need help with mental health or substance abuse crises. It will also be a place where local law enforcement can bring people with mental health issues causing public disturbances instead of jail or the hospital.
- Local “Live On Utah” suicide prevention efforts by the Southwest Behavioral Health Center, focussing on the elderly.
- In the last few weeks, St. George Regional Hospital has expanded the number of beds in its behavioral health unit by six to 24.
- The Iron County Mental Health Coalition provides mental health resources in Iron County.
- Heavenly Hearts helps friends and family deal with grief after the passing of loved ones.
Phone numbers for locals needing quick help with mental health issues or crises include the Southwest Behavioral Health Center at 800-574-6763 or 435-634-5600, the Trevor Project for LGBTQ youth at 866–488-7386
Resources
If you or someone you know is in danger because of suicidal thoughts or actions, call 911 immediately. Suicide is an emergency that requires help by trained medical professionals and should always be treated seriously.
Nationwide suicide hotlines,988 have counselors available 24/7. The Southwest Behavioral Health Center also offers help for Southern Utah residents; call 800-574-6763 or 435-634-5600.
Other resources include Suicide.org, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Association of Suicidology. All provide comprehensive information and help on the issue of suicide, from prevention to treatment to coping with loss.
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