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Recently, we had the opportunity to present to the Weber Chamber of Commerce (Leadership of Northern Utah) group and have an open discussion about mental health and suicide prevention.  We were able to explore the areas of concern that come up the most in our community for why there is such a high prevalence of mental health issues and suicidal ideation.  Here is what we are seeing the most in our community.  

1.  There is a lack of resources when it comes to mental health and improving stress management and overall well-being.

2.  Mental health continues to hold a stigma.  This causes people to feel shame, not ask for help, and feel more alone.

3.  We live in a perfectionist type of society and negative belief systems that we develop from caregivers, church, and the community can increase depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

4.  Social media runs rampant.  Social media allows us an escape and a way to disconnect while also increasing comparisons and at times hurting our self esteem.

5.  With social media, bullying has now moved from just in person to cyberbullying as well.

During this leadership presentation we were able to discuss steps businesses are taking in the community as well as what people are doing in their own homes and communities.  We talked about businesses who are encouraging mental health support, offering stress management options, and having more open communication with employees about coping skills and managing work life balance.  We discussed parents advocating for their kids, especially if they are being bullied, limiting social media and internet, talking to their kids about bullying and internet safety, and helping teach their kids coping skills and mindfulness practices that can help them reduce stress and anxiety.  We also discussed parents seeking out help for themselves and their kids if they need therapy, parenting classes, classes like yoga and meditation.  Several employers offer EAP options that allow for free counseling sessions for their employees and their children if needed.  We have been able to see employees, spouses, and children with EAP covered sessions and help them within 4-8 sessions of receiving mindfulness tools, grounding, teach coping skills, and address issues like depression and anxiety.  

Mental health is perhaps one of the most aspects of being healthy.  Yet, most people ignore it.  During this time when we highlight National Awareness of mental health, please consider improving yours!

“Tackling Physical and Emotional Pain!”  – Emilie Barragan, LCSW