Every time I drive along I-15 in Utah County, one particular billboard from the “Live On” campaign always catches my eye. It usually shows two people sitting next to each other—sometimes with one offering a hand on the other’s shoulder. There’s no flashy slogan, just an image that speaks volumes: connection matters. The implied message is simple and powerful—the best suicide prevention is people sitting together, talking, and being present. That image stays with me because it’s so true.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, but this isn’t a topic that should only come up once a year. As a therapist, I see firsthand how widespread and complex the issue of suicide is. And while there’s no single solution or easy fix, one of the most powerful forms of prevention is also one of the most human: connection.
Putting It Into Perspective
In 2023, nearly 700 Utahns died by suicide, which means approximately 2 lives are lost every day to suicide in our state. More than 5,000 Utahns are treated annuallyfor suicide attempts in hospitals and emergency departments.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Utahns aged 10–44, and the fifth leading cause for those aged 45–64. These numbers highlight the reality that suicide is not a rare or distant issue—it’s something affecting individuals, families, and communities right here in Utah County.
Among high school students:
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37% report feeling persistent sadness or hopelessness
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22.9% seriously consider suicide
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18.5% make a plan
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9% attempt suicide
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3.2% have an attempt that requires medical attention
Beyond that, 14% of Utah students report feeling moderately socially isolated, while nearly 9% feel severely isolated. These feelings of disconnection are not just statistics—they reflect a quiet crisis happening in classrooms, homes, and peer groups across our communities.
These numbers are sobering—but they’re not the end of the story. They’re a call to action. And one of the most meaningful actions we can take is to connect.
Why Connection Matters
When someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it often doesn’t look like what you’d expect. It’s not always tears and breakdowns. It can be subtle. Withdrawal. Numbness. A change in energy. A sense that they’re slowly disappearing from their own life. At the core of many people’s suicidal experiences is a deep sense of isolation—feeling alone in their pain, misunderstood, or convinced that no one would truly care if they were gone.
But here’s what I want you to know: connection saves lives.
That doesn’t mean you have to be someone’s therapist. You don’t need all the right words or a psychology degree. What you do need is a willingness to show up. To sit next to them. To ask how they’re doing—and mean it. To listen without jumping to fix. To remind them they matter.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is simply, “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
If You’re Struggling
If you’re reading this and you’ve had thoughts of suicide, please hear this: you don’t have to go through this alone. There are people who care. There are professionals who want to help—not because you’re broken, but because you’re human and hurting, and your pain matters.
Suicidal ideation can be incredibly heavy. It can feel like nothing will change, like no one would understand, like escape is the only option. But those are lies depression and pain tell us. The truth is, there are paths forward—even if you can’t see them right now.
Reaching out can feel terrifying. But it can also be the first step toward relief, clarity, and healing. Whether it’s a therapist, a friend, a hotline, or a family member—tell someone. You deserve support.
If You Know Someone Who’s Struggling
You don’t have to have perfect words. Just don’t let silence be the response. If you’ve noticed someone pulling away, seeming off, or even hinting at being overwhelmed—say something.
Try:
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“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Want to talk about it?”
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“I’m here. I care. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
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“You matter to me. If you’re struggling, I want to be there for you.”
And then—listen. Don’t rush. Don’t fix. Just be with them.
Encourage them to talk to a professional. Offer to sit with them while they make a call. Sometimes knowing they’re not alone in that moment can make all the difference.
If you’re ever unsure, you can always call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—whether you’re the one struggling or you’re trying to support someone else. You’ll be connected to trained counselors 24/7, for free.
There’s No Quick Fix—But There Is Hope
Suicide is a rising concern, and there are so many factors that contribute: mental health struggles, trauma, grief, chronic pain, shame, loneliness, hopelessness. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but we can do better at noticing each other, checking in, and creating space for hard conversations.
That billboard got it right. The best suicide prevention isn’t just a crisis line or a safety plan—it’s community. It’s compassion. It’s people who are willing to sit next to each other, even in the silence, even in the mess.
You don’t have to have the answers. You just have to be there.
So whether you’re the one struggling, or you’re trying to support someone who is: don’t wait. Reach out. Show up. Remind someone they’re not alone.
Connection won’t solve everything. But it’s a damn good place to start.
Resources for Support
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime to talk with a trained counselor. Free and confidential, 24/7.
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Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
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Live On Utah – liveonutah.org – A local resource for education, support, and suicide prevention tools.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – nami.org – Offers education, support groups, and advocacy.
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Therapist Locator – Use psychologytoday.com to find a licensed therapist in your area.
You’re not alone—and there is help.
