SALT LAKE CITY – Navigating a new chapter as a new freshman or even returning student can be overwhelming.
At the University of Utah, mental health first responders are stationed in every dorm, ready to listen and provide support.
It was move-in day for Ella Ashcroft, a student at the University of Utah.
“I was a little stressed this morning because I waited too long to start packing.”
This was the second time she had moved to campus.
“I know I love the people I live with and it’s going to be fun having an apartment.”
And she feels better prepared.
“I lived on campus last semester,” Ashcroft said. “It’s definitely a little scary. You don’t know what to expect.
Ashcroft said unknowns can isolate newbies.
“Especially if you’re from out of state and don’t have anyone you think you can talk to.”
Dr. Torrence Wimbish of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute understands their challenges through his work as a mental health first responder, or MH1, supervisor.
“They are going to have to navigate life on a large campus. Browse what to eat. When to eat. Navigate when to sleep, navigate how to study.
Dr. Torrence Wimbish of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. (KSL TV)
Students living on campus can turn to his team if they are having difficulty.
“We see students coming in with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm,” Wimbish said.
Students seeking after-hours or off-campus help may not get immediate help, and that’s where MH1 can step in.
“It’s convenient. It might be 8 p.m. and they can contact the crisis line or the Safe UT app or if they’re a student on this campus, they can contact us and we’ll meet them,” a said Wimbish.
Wimbish added that it’s important for students to know when they need help.
“If you notice a pattern of having sadder days than usual or having more anxious days than usual, that could be a sign.”
Students can talk to a counselor or friend and take time to recharge
For Ashcroft, her bouts of homesickness didn’t last long once she changed her mindset.
“Now that I’m here. I’m super, super excited,” she said. ” Go for it ! To meet new people. Enjoy. Do not hold back.
MH1 is a free service for students living on campus at the University of Utah. You can also access the SafeUT app at any time.
MH1 Support Information
After Hours Support
- 7 days a week (excluding public holidays)*
- Please note that we will be closed on September 1st
- Fall hours 2022
- Sun-Wed: 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- Thu-Sat: noon – 10 p.m.
- On site | In the office | Virtual
- 385-321-5356**
- Click here for more contact information
Suicide prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or showing warning signs, call or text Suicide Prevention lifeline to 988 or the Utah Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
You can also send an SMS TALK at 741741 and parents, students and educators can download the SafeUT app chat or call 833-3SECURITY to get in touch with a certified crisis counsellor.
Additional Resources
- Parents, students, and educators can download the SafeUT app chat or call 833-3SAFEUT to connect with a licensed crisis counselor.
- First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and medical professionals, can chat with a crisis counselor for free 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app and members of the National Guard can access help through the SafeUTNG app.
- For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear while you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call the Utah Warm Line at 1-833 SPEAKUT from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a week. year.
- At the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, women can access maternal mental health services, including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
- LiveOnUtah.org, a Utah campaign Suicide Prevention Coalition offers suicide prevention training and Resources for faith groups, youth, LGBTQ+ and employers.
Other community organizations that provide suicide prevention services, support groups, mental health education, counseling and support:
Additional crisis hotlines
- Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226-4433
- Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
- National Suicide Prevention Crisis text line: Text “HOME” to 741-741
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ Teens: 1-866-488-7386
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