SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4) – Recovering from the holidays can be real a struggle for some people. For police in Spanish Fork, it’s a real problem right now. Officers tell ABC4 News they’re getting more calls for suicides, in this edition of Behind the Badge.

Driving through Spanish Fork in Utah County, you’d never know a post-holiday depression is setting in, thoughts of suicide, and a rise in people taking their own lives. Spanish Fork Police said after the new year it’s something they’ve come to expect.

“Especially around this time of year, it always seems to rise for whatever reason,” said Spanish Fork Police Officer Chris Olson.  

Officers said they get more calls of someone struggling, not knowing where to turn. Police hear reasons of sadness over a lack of family support, new bills now due, or even a belief God isn’t listening to them anymore. In 2023, nine people in Spanish Fork died by suicide. Nationally, there’s a post-holiday trend. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows suicide rates since 2018 go up each year after Christmas is over.

“We have to try and de-escalate situations, help people bring their emotions down,” said Olsen.

That has police in Spanish Fork, working to be more of a listening ear so those in crisis have someone they can relate to.

“We’re here for them, we’re like them, we experience things ourselves, that they may have gone through or are going through,” said Spanish Fork PD Sgt. Clay Hooley. 

For those willing, officers connect them to services available at Spanish Fork Hospital, or refer them to advocates or crisis outreach teams who can offer therapy or other resources.

“Dealing with emotions, dealing with how to cope with these sorts of tragic incidents, we want to be there to help them as much as possible,” said Det. Brandon Beebe, Spanish Fork Police.  

They may not stop everyone willing to take their own life.

“We care about you, we care about what happens to you,” said Olsen.

But police said they’ll show up every time, to do what they can. They believe if they can get people the help they need, everybody benefits. 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, there are resources you can use. An easy one to remember is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, just call 988. Help is available 24/7.