Why is the Teenage Suicide Rate Increasing in Utah?

The teenage suicide rate is increasing in Utah. Suicide is becoming one of the most common forms of death of people under the age of 45. How and why are more people making the desperate decision to end their lives?

Richard Markosian

May 15, 2019

Delving into this important yet neglected topic, We talk to Kim Myers who is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the State of Utah. If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts watch this important episode. You can fast forward to 37 minutes and get the best information on suicide prevention.

The Wall Street Journal recently spotlighted Utah’s Herriman High School, when one teenager committed suicide and five others followed. We touch on this terrible tragedy and how and why especially in Utah this is a problem. Can we attribute the problem to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ demands for perfection? Is there a growing dystopian mindset coming from the consumer-based mindset that exists in the suburbs? Or are teens just unable to handle rejection due to the emphasis on “safe spaces” participation awards and never being told that failure is a part of life?

Podcast, Utah Stories

teenage suicide in Utah, Teenage Suicide Rate

Richard Markosian

I am a story teller and journalist. I have a passion for farmers, local craftspeople, and folks who aspire to create, build and grow their business in the local marketplace. Why local? By supporting locally-owned businesses we create more opportunity for entrepreneurs, and we claim our sovereignty to shape our communities how we want to see them. I aspire to build Utah Stories Magazine into a household Utah name, and assist Utah businesses and makers with marketing. On the journalism side of things my passion is investigative journalism that offers true insight into issues. I believe strongly in the forth estate: strong, meaningful, insightful journalism is essential to a free market Democracy.

Utah Stories

Better Solutions Than Spending $2 Billion on a Gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon

A challenge to the $2 billion taxpayer funded Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola is in the works. What else could that much money be used for?
Gondola Works was the successful PR and marketing campaign that dazzled UDOT and UTA board members and gained the support of enough Wasatch Front Regional Council members to approve the overall $26 billion plan.

The overriding questions are, Why should we be putting so much energy into a $26 billion plan that only focuses on transporting mostly elite skiers up to our mountains? How does this massive investment help average Utahns?
Utah Stories

Why the Salt Lake City Council Should Reject a New Salary Raise

In a letter to the Salt Lake City Council, Jan Hemming, urges the members to reconsider a pay raise for themselves. She claims the pay raise would put the council members greatly above the scale of comparable cities.
Utah Stories

Beloved Salt Lake Eatery Closing

SLC Eatery is set to close at the end of September with plans for private events and pop ups to continue. Fleming’s Social Hour hosts special pricing from 4 to 6pm. Arlo is featuring a Wine Dinner to September 26th.
Utah Stories

The End of an Era: Farewell to Salmon at the Millcreek Senior Center

For nearly a decade, Thursdays at Millcreek, Midvale, and Draper Senior Centers meant one thing: a legendary salmon entree. But now, that cherished dish has mysteriously disappeared from the menu, leaving many wondering why. What could have led to the sudden removal of such a beloved meal? Seniors who once eagerly anticipated the meal are left with questions—and disappointment. As rumors spread and new dishes appear, the fate of the Thursday salmon remains uncertain, hinting at deeper challenges lurking behind the scenes.

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