 Mental Health Awareness & Resources
9-8-8 Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline; Call or Text
One in four Idahoans experience some form of mental illness, and 13% of Idaho children 12-17 years old have had a major depressive episode in the last year. With the holidays upon us these feelings can intensify. During this season, be aware of your own mental health, and also the mental health of those around you.
Our emotional health and general happiness are influenced by three basic human needs:
- Love
- Affection
- A sense of belonging
Our mental and emotional well-being depends on the support, validation, and sense of purpose that these relationships with others give us. In the end, they provide a sense of fulfillment in our lives and assist us in feeling connected to the world around us. You can read more on this at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/love-affection-sense-belonging-dr-gene-constant-ejy5c/
IDL provides wallet cards with contacts to mental health resources. We should all carry these, as opportunities to help others or ourselves can arise unexpectedly. You can find the template to print additional wallet cards here or request more for your office by contacting Amy Johnson or the acting Safety Officer.
Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, or income level. It is treatable and there are resources available if you or someone you know is struggling. The more we talk about it, the more normalized these conversations become, ultimately empowering people to seek the help they need.
Crisis:
Free statewide information and referral service:
Other Idaho resources are:
Take action: If you or someone you know is facing a
mental health challenge, start the conversation, offer your support,
and connect them with helpful resources—
it could make all the difference.

Responsible Alcohol Consumption
As the holiday season approaches, gatherings often include alcoholic beverages. While enjoying a drink can be part of celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize safety to protect yourself and others. Alcohol consumption affects judgment, coordination, and decision-making, which can lead to dangerous consequences when not handled responsibly.
When drinking alcohol, keep the following safety tips in mind:
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Set Limits: Know your personal limits and pace yourself to avoid overconsumption. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic options to stay hydrated and reduce your intake.
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Drink in a safe environment and never leave your drink unattended. Look out for friends and ensure everyone has a safe way to get home.
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Reality Check Yourself: Intoxication can creep up on you. Be honest in your assessment of your mental state and act responsibly at all times.
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Plan Transportation: Never drive under the influence of alcohol. Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or stay overnight if needed.
Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your ability to recognize and respond to risks, increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or legal issues. By making thoughtful choices, you can enjoy your celebrations without compromising safety.
Ideas to get you home safe and sound:
- Before the festivities begin, plan for an attending friend/family member to be the Designated Driver.
- Store local taxi service phone numbers in your contacts under 'TAXI" (easy to remember and find).
- Many places have "drive your car home" services, in which a driver is dropped off at your car and drives you home in your own vehicle. Again, put the number in your phone ahead of time.
- Download ridesharing app(s) like Uber or Lyft and make sure your billing information is updated and ready to go. Leaving your car overnight is far better than a DUI or worse.
- Plan ahead and book a room within walking distance of the event. Make the party a mini vacation!
- Before the night begins, ask a friend or family member who isn't out with you to be your "lifeline" ride home should all else fail.
Let’s work together to ensure a happy and safe season for all.
Remember, responsible planning protects you and
the people around you!

Drowsy & Distracted Driving
The holidays seem to increase our time behind the wheel. Whether we are headed 20 minutes away or 20 states away, safe driving is absolutely vital. Distracted and drowsy driving can have serious consequences. Your life, and the lives of others, could depend on your awareness level and attention to your physical warning signs.
Drowsy Driving:
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated that 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually, more than three times the police-reported number. The same study found that 109,000 of those drowsy driving crashes resulted in an injury and about 6,400 were fatal.
The following are signs and symptoms of drowsy driving, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:
- Frequent yawning or difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Nodding off or having trouble keeping your head up
- Inability to remember driving the last few miles
- Missing road signs or turns
- Difficulty maintaining your speed
- Drifting out of your lane
Rest & Recharge: Pull over and take a walk or a power nap. 15 extra minutes is worth your life and the life of others!
Learn more about ways to avoid drowsy driving by visiting the National Safety Council.
Distracted Driving:
According to the National Safety Council, at least eight people are killed every day in distracted driving-related crashes.
Do you know the three types of distracted driving?
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Visual - causing you to take your eyes off the road. (Example: Turning around to look at someone in the back seat.)
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Manual - causing you to take your hands off the wheel. (Examples: Eating or using your cellphone, etc.)
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Cognitive - causing you to take your mind off the task of driving safely. (Example: Daydreaming.)
Some ways to avoid distracted driving are:
- Conduct mirror checks
- Make sure you know where lights, blinkers, cruise control, etc. are located and how to use them
- Choose your music
- Set your GPS address
- Don't multitask (I know this is a hard one for most of us!)
- If you need to make or answer a call, have a passenger do it or pull over in a well-lit, safe location
"You matter.
Protect your life, your passengers, and others—
stay alert and avoid drowsy or distracted driving."

Pet Safety & The Holidays
As the holiday season begins, it’s important to keep your furry companions safe while celebrating. Follow these tips to ensure your pets enjoy the festivities without harm.
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Delicious Dangers - Avoid giving pets fatty, sweet, or spicy holiday foods, as well as turkey or chicken bones. Stick to their regular diet to prevent toxic exposures. Also, keep alcoholic beverages out of their reach to avoid accidental ingestion.
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Dangerous Decor - Festive decorations can pose risks: wires may cause shocks, batteries can burn, and ornaments may lead to injuries if chewed or swallowed. Avoid tinsel, as it can obstruct your pet’s digestive system, and securely fasten Christmas trees to prevent accidents. Cover tree stands to keep pets from drinking the harmful bacteria-laden water, and keep wrapped food gifts off the ground.
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Toxic Plants - Plants like mistletoe, holly, lilies, and poinsettias can cause severe illness in pets if ingested. Keep these decorations out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives like faux plants.
- Other Hazards:
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Candles: Never leave candles unattended; pets could knock them over, risking burns or fires.
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Loud Noises: Fireworks, music, and noisemakers can scare pets. Provide them a quiet retreat.
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Trash and Hazards: Secure trash bins to prevent pets from accessing leftovers or broken decorations. Keep snow globes away, as their contents are toxic if spilled. Use pet-friendly ice melt to avoid health risks from salt.
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Medication: Store medications securely and ensure houseguests do the same to keep curious pets safe.
Read the details at Holiday Safety Tips | ASPCA
With these precautions, you and your pets
can enjoy a safe, happy holiday season!
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