Every September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division is consistently working at preventing such tragedies within our community and we especially want to bring awareness during this month.
For example, we know that community connection, feeling needed and wanted are the number one protective factors against these tragic losses. That’s why we put resources into events, culture, and supporting our youth with positive messaging. That’s also why we are constantly putting out the word on 988, the free crisis hotline where anyone can call for support and to talk to someone.
You have probably seen our 988 and Mental Health Matters messaging around campus. This is because even though talking about such things can be difficult, it’s the only way to reduce stigma so that people in need will more often reach out for help… and live another day!
SUBH not only offers peer recovery coaching, individual and family counseling, assessments, and education on mental health matters, but we are active in the community, partnering with Education, Culture, and Boys and Girls Club to make sure that our young people receive positive messaging and help to cope with life’s challenges.
I recently heard a mental health professional say that when they asked suicidal individuals, “do you really want to die or do you just want an escape from the pain?” that 99% of them said they just wanted out of the pain. In other words, they did not really want to die.
This is so important because it signifies that an individual is experiencing intense pain and suffering and is doing their best to hang in there. They need support. They don’t really want to die, but they cannot imagine life without that pain. We can help them envision that and slowly work towards trusting in life again.
Suicide is preventable. Everyone matters. Everyone is needed. To learn more about how you can help prevent suicide, contact Behavioral Health: 970-563-5700 or Tamara at 970-563-2487. There are many different kinds of training available and ways we can help you learn more. Here’s to your good health!
It’s okay not to feel okay
If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970.563.5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist.
Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out.
And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. Please call us at 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.