National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at FanX
SALT LAKE CITY — September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, dedicated to sharing resources and supporting those who struggle with mental health issues.
FanX, a pop culture convention in Salt Lake City, has been bringing fans together for 13 years, creating a unique space for individuals to express themselves. This three-day event not only celebrates fandoms but also emphasizes mental health support.
Dan Farr, the producer of FanX, highlighted the event’s commitment to mental health awareness: “In 2020, we lost two people to mental health-related issues, so it’s something that’s really important to us.”
The convention collaborates with Nerd HQ, a nonprofit founded by actor Zachary Levi, who transformed Nerd HQ to help others access mental health resources for free. Levi’s own experiences with mental health inspired him to ensure that everyone can find support, regardless of their financial situation. “I think it’s one of the most important things we can do is heal people’s hearts and minds,” Levi stated.
Nerd HQ partners with Timely Care, providing therapy via telehealth nationwide. For many attendees, like Michael Clayton, FanX is a much-needed escape from daily stresses. Clayton, who travels from St. George every year, emphasized the importance of community: “You get to be with people that are into the same things that you are. No one is going to judge you in a place like this.”
As emergency medical dispatchers back home, attendees like Clayton wear different “caped” jobs in their day-to-day lives, helping others navigate difficult times. FanX provides a welcoming environment where individuals can connect without judgment and celebrate their shared interests.
