Hope is real -- What you should know about suicide and mental health

Guest: Makayla Slamal

Podcast description: In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Izzy and guest co-host Makayla open up about suicide prevention and mental health, covering warning signs, risk factors, and how youth can support one another. Knowing what to do can save a life. This episode features 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, as our highlighted community resource for information on where to turn to if you or a loved one needs help.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles or wondered how to support someone else who might be hurting.988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s a nationwide number you can call or text 24/7 if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, a mental health crisis, substance use, or just feeling completely overwhelmed. It connects you directly to trained crisis counselors who listen without judgment and can help you figure out what to do next.

Here’s how it works:

• You can call or text 988, and you will be connected to a real person trained to support you
• They will then connect you with the right people to further help you as well
• It's completely confidential
• You do not have to be in immediate danger to call

Note *You can always call or text just to talk, ask questions, or say 'I don’t know what I need, but I don’t feel okay.*

If someone is in immediate danger, like they’ve taken something, they’re trying to hurt themselves, or they’re in a situation where they could die, call 911 right away. That’s an emergency, and you need help from first responders who can get there fast.

The most important thing is this: Don’t wait. You’re not overreacting. Getting help quickly can save a life.

Remember: If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call 911 when a life is at risk.

Phone numbers to put in your phone:

Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)

Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

The injury effect -- When injury shakes your identity

Guest: Reise Wilson

Podcast description: In this episode of Voices of the Valley, host Izzy sits down with local Steamboat Springs athlete Reise Wilson to talk about something most young athletes never expect: the mental toll of being sidelined by injury. After tearing her ACL, meniscus, and MCL during a ski competition, Reise went from training daily to suddenly being unable to do the sport she loved. Together, they dive into the emotional rollercoaster of recovery, from feeling left behind and questioning her identity, to rediscovering her strength and purpose beyond athletics.

This conversation shines a light on how injuries can impact more than just the body; they affect motivation, confidence, friendships, and mental health. Reise opens up about the pressure to “stay strong,” what helped her heal mentally, and how she learned that vulnerability is part of recovery.

Featured resource in this episode includes CredibleMind a free and confidential online platform that provides you with mental health and self-care resources. On their access, things like other podcasts, apps, videos, local resources, and many other things that address a variety of different things you may be struggling with. It can be accessed at ⁠northwestco.crediblemind.com⁠ and is available in English and Spanish.

Phone numbers to put in your phone:

Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)

Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

Invisible battles -- A personal story

Guest: Ford Fontaine

Podcast description: In this powerful episode of Voices of the Valley, Ford Fontaine, a local youth, opens up about their personal journey with mental health struggles growing up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Ford shares the reality of looking like everything is fine on the outside while silently battling more than anyone knew on the inside. Through raw and honest conversation, we explore the gap between how life appears and how it really feels, and why finding support matters more than we realize. This episode also features REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide) as our highlighted community resource, sharing information on where to turn when you or someone you love needs help.

If you’ve ever felt alone, unseen, or like you’re not enough, this episode is for you.

REPS-Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide: REPS is right here in Steamboat Springs and is an amazing local support system. If you’re ready to talk to someone, REPS offers 5 free therapy sessions. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out to REPS. They’re here to support anyone struggling with mental health, no matter what you’re going through.

Steps:

Go to yampavalleyreps.org

Click on Counseling and Therapy

Scroll down and click on New Client Intake Form

If you’re 12 or older, you can sign up yourself-you don’t need a parent’s permission

If you need guidance or a referral, you can call reps at (970)-846-8182 or email them at ⁠info@yampavalleyreps.org⁠.

If someone is in immediate danger-like they’re trying to hurt themselves right now, have taken something harmful, or are unconscious, call 911 right away. This is an emergency, and you need help from first responders who can come to the scene quickly.

If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or just feeling overwhelmed, but isn’t in immediate danger, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, support, and help connect you to resources.

Remember: If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call 911 when a life is at risk.

Phone numbers to put in your phone:

Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)

Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182