Pamela Atkinson: Suicide prevention in Utah is a work in progress

I was quite disturbed when I read The Salt Lake Tribune’s recent editorial calling the public-private partnership in support of an education campaign to prevent suicide a “heartless sham.”

Of course, I agree that $2 million is only a start. We will need much more funding, and more continued effort to help lift our neighbors out of the desperate circumstances that lead them to consider taking their own lives.

I also agree that an education campaign alone cannot solve the problem and

I agree that mental illness is not the only issue that can lead to suicide. As the editorial mentioned, debt, poverty, homelessness, lack of opportunity, lack of health care and violence are also issues.

So, I would add, are issues of sexual identity and orientation. Bullying and daily cruelty play all too big a role. Mental and physical abuse, too, are a plague that harm far too many.

As a community advocate, I know that the education campaign is only a small portion of what the State, business and religious communities are doing to help prevent suicide. The State has already trained almost 70,000 Utahns to recognize the risk of suicide in someone and provide support and referral.

There are programs such as Zero Suicide, Crisis Services, Firearm Safety, Overdose Prevention related to suicide. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spends a great deal of money on mental health services through their Family Services offices throughout the state providing counselling, mental health support as well as online resources.

Additionally, their financial and in-kind donations assist many agencies to reach out to those in need and prevent suicide occurring. Other places of worship are also involved in educating their congregants on prevention of suicide.

Many foundations and companies have been generous with their contributions to organizations helping those people seeking help for their mental health. Intermountain Healthcare has initiated many suicide prevention programs in their clinics and hospitals, whilst the University of Utah is very involved in suicide research regarding causes, prevention and best practices.

We should increase funding and resources for those providing support on crisis lines and apps. We should do everything in our power to be sure that mental and physical health care is accessible and affordable. We should address every possible cause of this tragic epidemic.

In the meantime, a campaign helping the public better understand the issue of suicide, and how to help prevent it and aid those they know who may be struggling, could and will save lives. Meanwhile, state Rep. Steve Eliason has worked tirelessly in leading the Legislature to change laws and provide more funding for this issue.

Intervention by a loving friend, family member or even a stranger, in an hour of need, is absolutely crucial. We could all use better training in order to understand how to help those suffering around us. Those in crisis can certainly be saved when they know whom to look to for help.

None of my criticisms of the editorial are as important as this crucial message that we send to those who may be suffering:

Whatever the reason for your despair, be it poverty, spiritual crisis, depression, anxiety, lack of health care, or any other issue, you are needed here. There is someone who has gone through what you have gone through. There are people who would do anything to help you. I am just one of many.

Whatever your concern, whatever your sorrow, please stay.

If you don’t know where to turn, start by calling 1-800-273-8255, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which offers 24-hour support. Or speak with a trained specialist about your struggles using the SafeUT app.

Please know that help is available. We are not finished working yet.

Pamela Atkinson, Salt Lake City, is a community advocate for homeless, low-income and refugee individuals and families, working with faith leaders on prevention of suicide and prevention of child abuse.