Mental Health & Crisis Support

It’s Worth The Climb

How to ACT to help a friend

Be AWARE of signs

Learn to recognize dangerous signs, like:

• Mood Swings
• Changes in appearance, personality, eating habits or sleeping patterns
• Your friend seems really mad, sad, stressed, hopeless, ashamed, guilty, or like there is “no purpose in life”
• They don’t want to hang out or they isolate from friends and family
• Your friend shows risky, bizarre or violent behaviors
• They aren’t interested in their favorite activities
• They are thinking, writing, drawing or talking about suicide, death, giving up or “going away”
• They give away their belongings

If you see these signs, take them seriously

Show you CARE

Initiate dialogue in a non-judgmental way

• Tell them you care
• Ask, “Are you ok?”
• Ask, “Is something going on you can share with me?”
• Ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

React with feeling

• Say, “I’m concerned about you”
• Say, “Thanks for sharing with me”
• Say, “I care about you”
• Say, “I want to help you”

It’s Worth the Climb

Created by Kim Sommers, LCSW and Val Padgett, LCSW

TELL a trusted adult

Shift the focus from sources of pain to resources for treatment

• Say, “Let’s find someone who can help”
• Support them in talking to someone
• It’s okay to get help, even if your friend seems mad
• This is not a secret you should keep

Who do you tell?

• Your parents
• Their parents
• A teacher
• A coach
• A school counselor
• The school officer
• The principal
• A trusted adult

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It’s Worth The Climb

Finding HOPE for yourself

Seek HELP

Seek support

• Call the confidential and free hotline—1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Or if texting is your thing, text “START” to 741-741 to access the Crisis Text Line
• Or call 801-587-3000 and they will arrange to meet with you in person
• Download the Safe UT app to chat, text or make a report
• Remember…It’s okay to ask for help!

You are ORIGINAL

Realize your worth

• There will only ever be one of you in the world
• You are valued more than you know
• You have made an impact on so many people
• Your unique contributions add up over time
• You would be deeply missed

Find your PEOPLE

Know yourself and the people who can help

• Journal, sing, draw or find a way to channel your feelings to better understand yourself
• Make a Safety Plan to be aware of your warning signs and the coping strategies that work for you
• Find the people you trust and reach out for help
• Use the Suicide Safety Plan app to keep the list of “Your People” and your safety plan handy

Not sure who to reach out to? Here are some ideas:

• Your parents
• A neighbor
• A teacher
• A coach
• A school counselor
• The school officer
• The principal
• A trusted adult

ENGAGE in self-care

Care for yourself

• Remember you are NOT in this alone
• Reach out for support
• It’s okay to search for a counselor that fits your style
• Follow your doctor’s orders

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE

SAFE UT

Warning Signs

Coping Strategies

Reasons to Live

Friends and Family

Professionals

Note to Self….

You are allowed to scream

You are allowed to cry

You are NOT allowed to give up

Remember it will get better!

Just breathe…

Reach out for help

Know that you are cared about

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