Springville teen writes positive chalk messages to help others dealing with depression

SPRINGVILLE — 13-year-old Bailey Rama has found words to be an outlet. "Writing helps me a lot," she said.For years, the teen has dealt with depression. She said even basic tasks — like getting out of bed or brushing her teeth — can feel overwhelming. "I'm tired, and just like, numb. Most of my friends think I'm attention-seeking. If you tell someone you're struggling with that, it's not attention-seeking. You just want help," she said. And Bailey is not alone. One in six youth experience a mental health condition.One day, she turned to something unexpected: chalk. She began writing encouraging messages on her driveway. Some of them read, "You are loved," "Remember that these storms that you're going through are only going to make you stronger" and "Bad thoughts, beware. Bailey's positivity is always there.'" "It turned into a huge thing, and then people found about it," she said. [gallery ids="780181,780179,780177,780180,780178"] "We saw her in the middle of the first one, and I asked her, 'Are you coming up with this stuff on your own?' and she goes, 'Yeah.' and I go, 'It's amazing,'" said Bailey's stepdad, Brook Robinson. Each time it rains, Bailey starts fresh. Every chalk creation has taken her several hours. "My fingers are still trying to recover," she said. Bailey even added a "reviews" section so others could share feedback. "I wrote this thing so people can tell me what I needed to fix, 'cause I assumed there'd be a lot of those things. But instead, people wrote positive stuff," she said. One "review" said Bailey inspired them to keep going through dark times. Bailey said she doesn't know who wrote the reviews, but it makes her feel good every time she sees a new one. "Depression is hard and it's real and it's painful sometimes," Robinson said. "I hope people can see this and realize the power of ourselves, our own minds. It's beautiful, and it inspires other people to learn how to cope." Bailey's message for anyone struggling? "Just that they're not alone," she said.

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• CredibleMind: Intermountain Health has free self-care resources with CredibleMind for people of all ages.
• Behavioral Health Line: The Intermountain Behavioral Health Navigation Line offers callers guidance, tools and referrals for people experiencing mental health issues. being. It’s free and available seven days a week at 833-442-2211.
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith-based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more. These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services
• Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.

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