Mental Health

Published: 2019
By Mary Rumph

The beauty of Extension is to recognize the needs of the people in a community and to utilize research based information and resources to address local needs. Montana State University and the state’s legislative leaders are to be commended for responding to the needs of people throughout the state as demonstrated by the establishment of the Mental Health Center at MSU to research and provide resources to people in a state leading the nation in the number of suicides per capita. Data has shown that suicide is the third leading cause of death in rural areas, and affects people of all ages. Powder River Extension has been proactive in the area of mental health for youth and adults through the creation of the Youth Issues Coalition. With help from the Youth Issues Coalition, Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), THRIVE (computer-based, cognitive behavioral therapy program for adults in Montana), Mental Health First Aide; Youth Mental Health First Aide and musician Jason DeShaw, who’s program demystified the mental health stigma, have all been implemented in the schools and community. In addition, members of the Youth Issues Coalition hosted a facilitated discussion on opioid use in our community. Powder River Extension has partnered with MSU Extension to research the perception of the opioid use in our community; and to share thoughts and possible solutions that could address local issues. Participants included clergy, school counselors, law enforcement, concerned citizens and medical personnel. Resources important to people living in rural areas have been developed and disseminated, including the publication “Responding to people under pressure under the big sky.” The publication is valuable in helping people recognize warning signs of those in distress and determining a course of action.