Light blue banner with the words Mental Health and a white brain. Inside the brain are words often used while discussing mental health like trauma, therapy, self-care, and more.


Jump to: Where do I start? | Ready to help | Local Resources | Warning signs of emotional suffering | Be The First | Suicide Prevention Gaps and Needs Analysis

Mental health is the wellness of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The state of your mental health affects how you act, think, and feel about the world around you. A healthy mental state is important at every stage of life, from childhood to older adulthood.


Where do I start?

Identifying the signs of emotional suffering in yourself and the people around you is an excellent place to start. Understanding when someone is struggling with mental illness or a mental disorder gives you the power to act, empower, and protect that person.

Know the warning signs of emotional suffering
Icon showing someone upset and holding their head
Icon showing someone very tired
Icon of a person blowing steam out of their ears
Icone of somsone resing their arms on their knees. They look sad.
Icone of someone who smells bad

Personality Changes
This change doesn't seem to fit the person's values or typical habits. These changes may include:

Feeling Withdrawn
Similar to personality changes, you may notice the person is less interested in engaging socially or in activities they typically enjoy. They may struggle with the following:

Feeling Agitated
The person may experience more emotional swings, especially negative emotions. This often includes:

Feeling Hopeless
The person used to be optimistic but now they can't find anything to be hopeful about. They may be:

Poor Self Care
You may notice signs the person is not taking care of their body or living environment. This may include:



I know someone showing signs of emotional suffering. What do I do?

Now it is the time to act.



Be the first:


Image of a sad looking person and the word ASK.

To Ask
Start a conversation. Tell them you have noticed a few things from the 5 signs.



Image of a person in a suit listening to another person who is downtrodden. The words Be There.

Be There




Image of one hand reaching out to another with the words Keep Them Safe.

Keep Them Safe
This step is all about showing support for someone.



Image of a person on the phone and the words Help them connect.

Help them Connect




Image of two people fishing together with the words follow up.

Follow Up
After you have helped them connect and made a safety plan, make sure to follow up to see how they are doing:



You are not responsible for knowing what to do. Just find someone who does.

Note: #BeThere and #BeThe1To information from the CDC and BeThe1To.



Resources:

Local Suicide Coalitions
Offer education to community members and schools, provide QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings, coordinate local community events, bring speakers to the area, and raise awareness to end the stigma around suicide and mental disorders.



Access the Health District 5 Suicide Prevention Gaps and Needs Analysis here:

Health District 5 Suicide Prevention Gaps and Needs Analysis


Videos





Other Links
Seize the Awkward
Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline
Crisis Center of South Central Idaho
988 Suicide and crisis hotline
The Crisis Hotline
Simply Hope - Family Outreach
The National Alliance on Mental Illness
Be The One website