SODA SPRINGS — September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to starting difficult conversations, sharing valuable resources and reminding others their lives matter.

This year, the local "Please Just Stay" campaign is bringing those resources and reminders to Southeast Idaho communities with a message emphasizing the importance of simply staying.

Caribou County campaign representatives Casey Batterton and Ashley Wright recently appeared on the Small Town Ruckus podcast to continue awareness initiatives and share local resources.

During the podcast, Wright, a Caribou Medical Center social worker, said one of the hardest parts of mental health struggles is the perception that people can't let others know they're hurting. Many people feel they have to silently hold it together because "everyone's depending on me," a weight that becomes difficult to admit when life gets overwhelming, Wright said.

As Caribou County coroner and a nurse, Batterton has seen firsthand not only the weight of those struggles but the consequences when someone doesn't seek needed help. That experience drives his passion for the "Please Just Stay" suicide prevention campaign and bringing it to Caribou County.

The campaign breaks down that weighted silence by encouraging open conversations, educating people how to help struggling family or friends, how to watch for signs and understanding that mental health struggles don't make anyone weak — they make them human.

Wright shared resources and statistics during the podcast about mental health struggles, noting that more than 70% of suicides nationwide involve men. She also shared concerning information about how youth are struggling in Caribou County, whether from unrealistic self-expectations or the stress of being over-scheduled. Youth and adults share similar stresses that can cause mental health crises.

These crises often go undiscussed due to fear of failure.

The "Please Just Stay" campaign focuses on both awareness and action — learning to check on friends, neighbors and loved ones and reminding them they are not alone. Resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are available 24 hours a day to provide immediate help.

The campaign's message is clear: When burdens are heavy, staying makes room for brighter days and continued connection.

Businesses across Southeast Idaho are invited to participate in the campaign's reader board initiative by sharing the simple "Please Just Stay" message on their advertising boards. Coming together brings hope through preventive action.