SALT LAKE CITY — The gray days of winter often provide a convenient reason for people to rationalize symptoms of depression, but for many, the root cause is something more than a sunlamp can alleviate. National data ranks Utah second in the nation with nearly 1 in 3 living with mental health diagnoses, with the seventh highest total in the nation of people reporting Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), one of the leading indicators for later mental health challenges.
These statistics, while worrying in and of themselves, only paint part of the picture of Utah’s mental health landscape. More than half of Utahns live in a county with limited to no psychiatric resources, and cost remains the primary barrier to treatment for those with access to providers. To support the 29.7% of Utah adults who experienced symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder in 2025, many Utahns turn to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, known locally as NAMI-Utah.
NAMI-Utah provides free, peer-led, evidence-based classes and support groups both for those experiencing mental health challenges and their loved ones. These social support networks are literally lifesavers for participants. A 2025 report by the Utah Women and Leadership Project stated, “One of the most important steps that we can take to support the health and well-being of all Utahns is to enhance opportunities to form and maintain affirming, validating, and protective social relationships.” The support of peers provides incalculable benefits for all involved and is one of the most effective ways to combat increasing rates of suicidal thoughts and actions.
As part of the effort to build community and conversation surrounding mental health, NAMI-Utah presents its largest mental health awareness and fundraising event of the year, NAMIWalks Utah, on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan, with registration beginning at 9am. NAMIWalks is a celebration of community, with activities for children, a fun walk, community speakers, sponsors, food, and most all, the joy of being together.
Mental health touches everyone, and NAMIWalks Utah expects to attract hundreds of residents to celebrate mental health recovery, to gather community members, and to honor the memory of loved ones lost to suicide. To join NAMIWalks, visit https://www.namiwalks.org/utah. One hundred percent of funds raised stay local, supporting NAMI Utah’s free mental health programs, resources, and services.
NAMI Utah, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is part of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMIWalks is the largest, most vibrant mental health event series in the country with walks taking place in more than 130 locations. For local information, visit www.namiut.org.