File photo of BEN DORGER, Standards Examiner
Utah Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox plays bass guitar in the Da Vinci Academy Teacher Band on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. Cox visited a high school and spoke to a group of about 500 students about suicide prevention.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds in Utah, yet mental illness is still neglected, misunderstood and ignored.
To change the stigma around mental health issues, Utah residents ages 15-30 were invited to participate in the “Healing Out Loud” competition.
The competition is sponsored by the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, the Utah Higher Education System, the Utah Film Center, Utah Health College, and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Participants can submit short videos containing original dance, art, spoken word, poetry, speech, and more.
HMHI CEO Dr. Mark Rappaport said: “We can and must change the mental health conversation, especially as stigma and discrimination prevent people from addressing their mental health and substance abuse disorder needs. am.”
According to HMHI, one in five Americans, or 65 million people, are dealing with a mental health problem. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death overall in Utah. Mental health issues include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and personality disorders.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that last year, more than half of people with mental illness nationwide were not receiving treatment. Of her 196,000 adults in Utah not receiving treatment, 49.4% were due to cost issues.
According to healthdirect.gov.au, examples of stigma and discrimination against people battling mental illness include humiliating them, telling them to ‘stop now’, calling them crazy, dangerous or incompetent. This includes being called
“Many people say dealing with this is more difficult than dealing with the mental illness itself,” says the website. They may experience embarrassment and embarrassment, which can lead to them not seeking treatment, social withdrawal, alcohol and drug abuse, and even suicide. may come to.”
Rapaport said starting a conversation about mental health is the first step.
“I applaud those who are willing to share their stories and look forward to seeing this year’s film,” he said.
Submission details, contest requirements and rules can be found at endstigmautah.org. Potential prizes include Apple products, Adobe software, sports and movie tickets, and more. The winning videos will also be featured at the May event and incorporated into a statewide suicide prevention awareness marketing campaign.
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