by Jim Hajny, Executive Director
July 21, 2025
It is hard to not see suffering on a daily basis around the world, in the United States and here in Montana. When I tune in for my daily dose of news, I am often struck by the lack of awareness around mental health related issues. For example, in Texas where the extreme flooding occurred there is virtually no reporting on mental health counseling, or peer support for the massive amount of grief and loss that is taking place. In the nearly weekly reporting of mass shootings at places of work, schools and in our communities across the nation, we fail to address mental health needs.
In the 17 years I have been working as a peer advocate, I have watched a revolving door of organizations, programs and good people with great intentions come and go. Regardless of the quality of the work. Here today, gone tomorrow it seems. As a person with a mental health diagnosis, I can recognize that stigma for both self and society play a major role in our inability to address the mental health needs for all. In fact, I would say its number 1. There are others of course. It is not lack of funding. We spend a lot of money funding programs and defunding programs without consideration as to their effectiveness. For example, the shuttering of SAMHSA which has been a strong supporter of mental health recovery for 20+ years, for political reasons rather than updating or upgrading it as we say these days. Here in my community of Madison County we have no crisis support services. When I brought this issue up to my local legislator it was “passed up the chain” with no results. When I spoke to the hospital is also went nowhere. It’s just not a topic anyone wants to talk about. My local advisory council has 6 openings for more than 1 year.
This topic weighs on my mind because I feel a lack of mental wellness is what leads to so many of these societal issues such as gun violence, homelessness, substance use, suicide and incarceration. Without urgently seeking long-term solutions we cannot make progress. These days when we cannot find the answers we are looking for, we search the internet, more specifically AI. So, I did just that. I asked AI “what are the societal issues around mental health.” Here is what it identified.
Key Societal Issues Affecting Mental Health:
- Stigma and Discrimination: Negative attitudes and stereotypes surrounding mental illness can lead to social isolation, reduced likelihood of seeking treatment, and difficulty finding work or housing. Stigma can prevent individuals from disclosing their mental health challenges and seeking help, making their conditions worse.
- Social Inequality: Poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation can create chronic stress and feelings of helplessness, contributing to mental health issues.
- Social Isolation: Poor mental health can lead to social isolation, disrupting relationships and potentially leading to family breakdown.
- Lack of Access to Resources: Limited access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, can prevent individuals from getting the support they need.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences: Exposure to violence, neglect, or other traumatic events in childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing mental health conditions later in life.
- Media Portrayal: Sensationalized media coverage of mental illness can perpetuate negative stereotypes and contribute to public misunderstanding.
- Social Determinants of Health: Factors like housing, food security, and employment opportunities significantly influence mental health. Unequal distribution of these resources can disproportionately affect certain populations.
Consequences of Societal Issues on Mental Health:
- Increased Risk of Mental Health Conditions: Social factors can increase the likelihood of developing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
- Difficulty Accessing Treatment: Stigma, discrimination, and lack of resources can make it harder for individuals to seek and receive mental health treatment.
- Impact on Relationships and Social Functioning: Mental health conditions, exacerbated by societal factors, can negatively impact relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Economic Instability: Mental health conditions can affect employment and educational attainment, leading to economic insecurity.
- Strain on Families and Communities: Mental health issues can place a strain on families, impacting caregivers and leading to economic burdens on communities.
- Increased Risk of Incarceration and Homelessness: Individuals with serious mental illness may face criminalization or become homeless due to lack of support.
Here is some data I searched for further consideration.
| Topic | Montana | US |
|---|---|---|
| Adults reporting SUD in the past year | 21% | 17.82% |
| Adults in need of substance use treatment | 22.96% | 20.14% |
| Youth (12-17) in need of substance use treatment | 12.42% | 11.50% |
| Adults with any mental illness in the last year | 27.12% | 23.08% |
| Adults with SMI in the last year | 6.18% | 5.86% |
| Adults with serious thoughts of suicide in the last year | 6.02% | 5.04% |
| Youth (12-17) with serious thoughts of suicide in the last year | 14.64% | 13.16% |
| Adults who attempted suicide | 0.75% | 0.67% |
| Youth (12-17) who attempted suicide | 4.37% | 3.67% |
Mental Health America, the nation’s oldest mental health advocacy organization releases a report each year ranking states on mental health service. Montana ranks third to last.
Montana mental health and substance use levels are generally higher than national averages and Montana often ranks near the top in suicide rates, substance use related deaths, and prevalence of mental health conditions. Individuals in rural and frontier areas are often underserved and under-resourced. The following table is taken from SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
I was recently watching a video on gun deaths per state, and I was shocked to find that Montana ranks near the top along with New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alaska. States such as Illinois, New York ranked much lower. I was surprised by this. CDC data can be found here.
Montana saw the largest increase, 551%, of individuals experiencing chronic patterns of homelessness from 2007 to 2023, according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress 2024.
I do not assume to have the answers. I don’t think anyone has all of them. But I do dedicate my work to addressing mental health recovery the best way I can each day along with staff and board of directors at MPN.