Montana’s Mental Health Crisis: Who Can Help?

There's a lot of talk these days about mental health.

Here in Montana, we have some pretty scary numbers when it comes to mental health issues. Did you know that Montana ranks in the Top 3 for the highest teenage suicide rates? We're also ranked 2nd for adult suicide. So, what's going on in Big Sky Country?

For years, mental health was an off-limits taboo topic. We all had that relative who was struggling, but we didn't talk about it, and if we did, we certainly didn't talk about it outside the family.

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Luckily, times have changed. I come from a long line of folks who've suffered from mental health issues. My Grandmother was institutionalized and received shock therapy back in the early 70s. I had a Great-Aunt who went through the same thing, my Mom dealt with mental health issues her entire life, and I'm even on an anxiety pill.

While there is still a stigma attached, at least we are having conversations about it nowadays.

According to Legacy Healing Center, the number one mental health search by Montanans deals with anxiety and stress. The number one question?

"Why do I feel stressed all the time?"

The statistics show that Montana isn't alone when it comes to dealing with anxiety and stress. Out of all the states, Montana and 19 others have anxiety and stress listed as the dominant topic.

So, what causes anxiety? There are several different factors. For some, it's people or social settings, for others, it's the workplace. It's important to remember that anxiety can be passed down, and it's often caused by hormonal changes or imbalances in the brain. In other words, it's nothing you did, and you certainly shouldn't feel ashamed by getting the help you need.

Anxiety or panic attacks can often mimic other life-threatening events, like a heart attack. There was more than one time when I felt like I was dying and ended up in the ER, only to discover I was fine physically.

Stress can be caused by major life events such as a death in the family, a divorce, losing your job, etc.

So, what does it all mean? Well, we all deal with it on some level, and there is no shame in seeking help. My mentor once told me, "If you broke your arm, you would go to the doctor, so why not go when you break something in your brain?" It made perfect sense to me.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone who can help. Life is much more interesting with you in it. For Montanans who are struggling, you can call the Montana Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787.