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Prevention starts with discussion. Talk about suicide using these 4 strategies

If you see the red flags, it is so important to talk about suicide with loved ones.

It’s not easy to talk about, but suicide prevention actually should be talked about more. Young adults are at high risk, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in college-age individuals. It can be prevented, as many people suffering really just want their pain to go away. If we can talk to them, listen to them, and offer hope, they may come to the realization that they don’t want to end their life.

Psychologist Dr. Tom Golightly shares why it is important to be direct with our questions when we talk about suicide. If you sense something is amiss and you see the warning signs, ask, “are you thinking of hurting yourself?” If your loved one can’t be left alone, don’t leave them. Shuffle schedules and do what you can to be there for them.

The SafeUT App can be a helpful resource. Find it here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, KSL encourages you to call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Crisis Hotlines

Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226- 4433

Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000

Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373- 7393

Online Resources

NAMI Utah: www.namiut.org

Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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