It is not uncommon for mental health disorders and substance use disorders to coincide. September is a month designated to raise national awareness and discussion, and provide resources for both.
“People can experience these concerns simultaneously, or one disorder may put a person at risk for the other,” said Ashley Yaugher, Utah State University Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching (HEART) Initiative faculty member. “Also, people can experience thoughts of suicide while using substances. This awareness month highlights prevention, treatment, hope, connection, and recovery resources.”
Yaugher said the HEART Initiative’s mission is to educate and reduce deaths caused by substance use disorder, overdose, and suicide. Initiative team members have both spearheaded and collaborated on community prevention efforts since 2018, including suicide prevention trainings, conferences, community walks for suicide prevention, prescription take-back days, recovery day events, and harm reduction trainings.
“The HEART Initiative targets populations at greatest risk – including veterans, chronic pain patients, youth, those with mental health or substance use disorders, and those who experience depression or hopelessness, among others,” she said. “Programs are offered statewide to help address these challenges and are open to everyone. We also offer naloxone education for the lifesaving medication that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose so people can get emergency service support.”
Tim Keady, a USU HEART Initiative faculty member, said several organizations, including USU Extension, Utah Naloxone, IHC, and local health departments, offer naloxone training.
“With the addition of fentanyl to the substances in our Utah communities, we need naloxone training more than ever,” he said. “The training takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and can help save the life of a family member, friend, or stranger. I have seen the difference it can make between the person who receives it and the person who provides it. It is lifesaving and life-changing for both.”
Yaugher said hope and healing are possible through the many resources available. During National Recovery Month, treatment and recovery practices are promoted and supported through the nation’s recovery community and the service providers who make recovery possible. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website provides resources, information, a list of events, and more.
Suicide Prevention Month helps raise awareness and provide education about the often-stigmatized topic, she said. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for Utahns, with an average of 685 suicides per year from 2021 to 2023. In addition to shifting public perception, efforts are intended to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide so that individuals, friends, and families can access the resources they need during a crisis.
“Breaking the stigma starts with open conversations,” said Yaugher. “Asking someone if they’re considering suicide doesn’t increase the risk; it can be a life-saving step.”
She said anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call or text 988 for help. The call is confidential, and there is no cost. Calls route through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Local resources include the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition and SafeUT.
Yaugher said the HEART initiative recently released two educational videos:
How to know when someone is in crisis and how to help:
https://youtu.be/nB9B4uh0b7k?si=DJcj7ZVN7hq6qOUr
Learn how to recognize the warning signs of an emotional or mental health crisis and provide compassionate ways to support. Recognize the difference between a bad day and a serious crisis, what signs to watch for in adults, teens, and children, and when it’s time to involve professionals or call for emergency help. Learn what to do (and avoid doing) when supporting someone in crisis, along with helpful resources to use or share.
How to support a loved one in recovery:
https://youtu.be/jEyeNMUSgKY?si=4GQceTVHUHaAMdzI
Learn how to support a loved one on their path to recovery. Learn how to offer help without enabling, the myths that often surround recovery, and how communication can strengthen ongoing support. Learn how to respond nonjudgmentally if a return to substance use occurs, when it is time to seek professional help, and explore resources to help.
In addition, a new art exhibition created by the Into Light Project features original portraits and stories of people in Utah who have died from overdose or related causes. The exhibit, Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, will be at the USU Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art through November 29.
“Highlighting both recovery and suicide prevention and awareness in the same month is a great first step in improving mental health, inspiring hope, reducing stigma, and increasing understanding,” said Keady. “We all have a role to play in substance use disorder recovery and suicide prevention, whether it is connecting people to resources, checking in on our loved ones, or supporting our local communities. This month offers opportunities for people nationwide to get involved and learn that hope and healing are possible.”