There are suicide prevention resources available at Intermountain
“When it comes to taking steps to prevent suicide, there’s no wrong door,” says Anne Pendo, MD, senior medical director of provider experience.
Intermountain offers resources on suicide prevention, mental and emotional well-being, connection and belonging, stress reduction, and healthy living. These resources are all “open doors” that can help you take steps to prevent suicide. Visit the Employee Assistance Program site to find counseling, classes, programs, tips, and tools that can be used every day.
“While many think of suicide prevention as responding to someone in acute crisis, it’s much more than that,” says Emily Stirling, caregiver wellbeing manager. “Suicide prevention includes small, everyday behaviors that improve connection and well-being, which are called ‘protective factors.’”
Some protective factors you can engage in include:
- Connecting with family, friends, or community.
- Noticing nature.
- Saving time for rest and relaxation.
- Seeking treatment and therapy.
- Following medical advice.
- Removing access to lethal means, such as using gun locks.
- Volunteering in your community.
- Engaging in good nutrition, sleep, and physical movement.
- Destigmatizing asking for help.
- Practicing positive talk to yourself and others.
Intermountain’s CARE sessions can also help. These short virtual classes give caregivers space and guidance to practice mindfulness and self-compassion techniques.
“I loved the topics and the meditation,” says one caregiver after attending a CARE session. “I love how open and caring the team was. It’s a very difficult time in the world, and I was reminded to worry about what I can do, and not what I can’t.”
Learn more about upcoming CARE sessions and add them to your calendar. You can drop into any session with no registration required. For more resources, including how to help someone in crisis, please visit the Intermountain Suicide Prevention page.