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You don't need to be a news expert to recognize the truth - that Utah is experiencing an epidemic of depression, suicide, and prescription opioid misuse. But here's one other truth. All of us can learn to take positive action to help make certain these issues don't devastate the lives of our families, friends and loved ones. That's why our stations are joining together to bring you information and resources you need to fight these very real but solvable problems. Because a Healthy Mind Matters.
FILE (KSL-TV)...

BYU Studies Show Impact Of Stress Before Age 5

Traumatic childhood events may have something to do with girls' delinquency behaviors and parenting practices by fathers, according to two new mental health studies from BYU.
Alyssa Hendricks got hooked on opioids after a car accident when a doctor prescribed her pain pills...

Know Your Script: Parents Who Lost Daughter To Opioid Abuse Warn ‘It Can Be Anyone’

For many, prescription drug abuse started early. A Saratoga Springs family never dreamed this devastating problem would cost them so much.
(Used by Permission Huntsman Mental Health Institute)...

Mental Health Services To Expand in Rural Utah With $1 Million Grant

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute received a $1 million grant which will be used to expand mental health services in rural communities throughout Utah.
Coming to understand what Casey Scott’s addiction was truly like for his children only came recen...

Addiction Through A Daughter’s Eyes: How Teen’s Letter Impacted Casey Scott

Addiction is a family disease. It doesn't just affect the individual struggling, but everyone who loves them. Former KSL-TV feature reporter Casey Scott took that message to heart after reading a paper written by his 16-year-old daughter, Preslee.
(KSL TV)...

Short, Long-Term Impacts Of Pandemic On Kids’ Mental Health

The number of suicides in Utah has remained concerning but steady. Research also shows mental health struggles are on the rise, or at least people are getting help.
FILE (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)...

Global Rise In Childhood Mental Health Issues Amid Pandemic

Doctors say the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of children is alarming and plain to see.
Siblings Eli and Mia Carter-Smith of Salt Lake City were glad to have each other to play with durin...

Kids In Crisis: What To Look For In Stressed Children, How Parents Can Help

The prolonged stress and uncertainty of the pandemic has taken a toll on young children and parents need tools to recognize when it is affecting their kids and how to help them recover. 
Surviving through a pandemic can exact a toll on our mental health. But experts say there are ways ...

Crisis Teams Available For Children Struggling With Mental Health Issues

The coronavirus pandemic brought on new trials for many Utah families. More children are experiencing mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and social isolation, but many parents don’t know where to turn for help.
(Used by Permission Huntsman Mental Health Institute)...

Study: Utah Children, Adults Report Increased Mental Stress During Pandemic

A study from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute said 40% of Utahns reported an increase in anxiety and depression over the last year with kids being hit hardest overall.
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Listening Is Key To Discussing Mental Health With Children

When it comes to having conversations with your kids about mental health, it starts before there is an issue. KSL spoke to adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Matt Swenson who walked through the process of having that conversation. He said it all starts with listening.
FILE (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)...

Recognizing Signs Of Depression, Suicidal Thoughts In Teens

Utah has consistently ranked in the top five states with the highest rate of suicide among teens.
Rehab - Addiction - Recovery and Wellness...

Utah Receives $23M In Federal Mental Health, Addiction Treatment Grants

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said it is directing nearly $2.5 billion in block grants to states and territories for addressing mental illness and drug addiction.
(KSL TV)...

College Freshmen Resilient In Face Of Pandemic

Over the last year, the group of students have missed out on their final days of high school, a normal graduation and proms. And their college experience hasn't been what they imagined it would, either.
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Utah Warmline Provides Resource For Mental Health

The Utah Warmline provides someone who will listen when there isn't a crisis necessarily - but someone struggling is looking to be heard and understood.
(KSL TV)...

What Can Parents Do Right Now To Help Monitor Their Children’s Mental Health?

Rebecca Dutson of the Children's Center tells us one of the best ways to see how your children are doing is asking them questions about their everyday life. 
(KSL TV)...

‘Zero Suicide’ Initiative Aims To Identify Mental Health Issues Before Crisis

One of those resources is called Zero Suicide - a Utah initiative to identify those who are struggling with their mental health before they reach a crisis.
(KSL TV)...

988 Crisis Line Gets Funding Boost

If you or a family member are experiencing a mental health crisis, minutes can really be the difference between life and death. That's why the new 988 crisis line is big step forward for providing critical mental health care. 
FILE...

Sleep Can Have Huge Impact On Children’s Mental Health

KSL is focusing on Kids in Crisis in an effort to shine a light on a challenging topic for parents and children. One big factor on overall mental health is how much sleep you get.
(KSL TV)...

What Should Parents Watch For When Monitoring Their Kids’ Mental Health?

As families navigate the mental and emotional obstacles the pandemic has presented, there are a few simple things parents can do right now to monitor their children’s mental health.
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Utah Mom Pleads For Parents To Talk To Their Teens

Nationwide, mental health-related ER visits increased 31% last year for teenagers. One family whose 14-year-old daughter is part of that group shares its message for other parents who aren’t sure how to help their teens.
A program in Utah called the Power of Hope brought new life to those suffering with mental health i...

New Program Offers Hope To Utahns Struggling With Mental Health

A program in Utah brought new life to those suffering with mental health issues. KSL TV spoke to one woman who never thought she'd still be alive until the Power of Hope program found her.
Lisa Thompson lost her 28-year-old son to a drug overdose 3.5 years ago. (KSL-TV)...

Utah Women Introduce Resolution To Recognize Int’l Overdose Awareness Day

Two Utah women are hoping to raise awareness for overdose and addiction in the state by recognizing August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.
Granger High School principal David Dunn shows off a window that is covered with sticky notes that ...

Parents Can Help Utah Teens Stressed During COVID-19

For many kids, school can be a refuge, a place of fun and learning but the pandemic has changed that. All week, NBC has focused coverage on Kids Under Pressure and how COVID-19 has impacted them.
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Colleagues Remember Physician’s Life, Urge Others To Seek Help For Mental Health

Health care workers and friends gathered at Riverton Hospital Friday to remember Dr. Cesar Briganti, who they say died by suicide after a yearslong struggle with depression that was magnified during the pandemic.

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