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.

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.

by Mandy Nunes, Assistant Director

May 16, 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as someone who is in recovery from substance use disorder and mental health issues, I am grateful for this opportunity to share my story and help raise awareness about mental health. I live in Billings, Montana, and even here I've found that it can be challenging for people in our community to find the resources and support they need to manage these conditions. That's why I feel it's essential to talk openly about mental health to help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

My experiences with substance use disorder and mental health issues started in my late teens. At first, I thought that drinking and smoking with my friends was just a rite of passage. But as I moved into my twenties, my substance use became more frequent and more intense. At the same time, I was dealing with trauma and mental health issues that made it hard to function, and I often felt like I was just barely holding on. I had multiple suicide attempts and I was hospitalized many times in my twenties, including at the state psychiatric hospital. Though these stays led to short-term stabilization, the system wasn’t set up to support me in maintaining any kind of long-term wellness or success. After discharge my mental health would decline, and I would revert back to unhealthy coping mechanisms.  

For a long time, I denied that I had a drug problem. I told myself that I was just having fun or trying to cope. But eventually, my substance use got out of control, and I ended up incarcerated for many months. In 2015 I was fortunate enough to have been sentenced to a treatment court program. This was a turning point for me, and I started to see that there was hope for recovery.

Over the years, I've learned a lot about what it takes to maintain my mental health. I've also seen how stigma can prevent people from seeking help and getting the support they need. Here are a few things I think are important to keep in mind during Mental Health Awareness Month:

1. Mental health is just as important as physical health. We all have mental health, and just like our physical health, it needs to be taken care of. We need to be proactive about seeking help. Maintaining holistic wellness can prevent us from entering into crisis.

2. Stigma is a huge barrier to seeking help. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say things like "it’s all in your head" or "you're just being dramatic." These kinds of comments are hurtful and can make people feel like they aren't taken seriously. We need to acknowledge that mental health conditions are real, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

3. Recovery is possible. I've been in recovery from substance use disorder and mental health issues for over seven years now, and while it hasn't been easy, it's been worth it. Recovery is a lifelong journey, but it's one that's full of hope and possibility.

4. The benefit of Peer Support is invaluable. There are people out there who have lived through the same struggles, and they're willing to offer support and guidance to others who are on the same path. There is such a deep connection and trust with someone who walked through a similar darkness and is offering their hand to help show the way out. There’s no judgement, just understanding, encouragement, respect, and hope.

5. Resources can be a lifeline. Living in Billings, I've found that there are some great resources available that have helped me during my journey. That being said, many of our Montana communities are lacking local resources. Montana 2-1-1 helps connect Montanans with resources and assistance from state and local health and human service programs. Access the list of resources on their website montana211.org or call 2-1-1 if you are away from a computer or don’t have access to the Internet. The Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services also has an index of services on their website. This includes links to locate different types of treatment providers. There are also lots of state-wide and national resources, such as NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness).  Many resources may be available virtually and may be an option for those that live in rural and frontier communities.  

6. Mental health is a community issue. Mental health affects all of us, whether we're dealing with our own struggles or supporting a loved one who is. We need to come together as a community to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and advocate for better access to mental health resources. We all have a role to play in creating a more supportive and understanding environment for those who are dealing with mental health conditions.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an important opportunity to bring attention to the importance of mental health and the resources that are available to those who need them. As someone who has struggled with substance use disorder and mental health issues, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to seek help and find the support you need. But I am proof that recovery is possible! There are people and organizations out there that can help. Let's work together as a community to reduce stigma and ensure that everyone has access to the mental health resources they need to live self-directed, fulfilling lives.

by  Beth Ayers, Family Peer Support Lead

May 2, 2023

The U.S. Surgeon General in his 2021 Advisory: Protecting Youth Mental Health stated, “Every child’s path to adulthood- reaching developmental and emotional milestones, learning healthy social skills, and dealing with problems- is different and difficult. Many face added challenges along the way, often beyond their control. There’s no map and the road is never straight. But the challenges today’s generation of young people face are unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate. And the effect these challenges have had on their mental health is devastating.” He goes on to say, “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real, and they are widespread. But most importantly, they are treatable, and often preventable.”

But before prevention comes acceptance. Before we can accept that mental health is important and affects our kids, we have to acknowledge it, talk about it, and address the issues surrounding it. We have to fight against the stigma. We have to recognize mental illness as the physical illness it is and not a character defeat.

The 2021 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported that “among high school students, 41% have felt so sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row that they stopped doing usual activities” and “22% seriously considered attempting suicide.” These numbers are staggering! My question is, what are we as Montanans doing about this? Are we even aware that our kids are struggling? Are there programs in the schools to address this? Do teachers and other students feel prepared to support the 41%? Do communities or schools have mental health support groups for youth? Can a student take a mental health day just like taking a sick day for any other illness? And if we are doing these things, is it enough? Are we addressing children’s and youth’s mental health openly and without judgement? Do we know, accept, and treat mental illness as the physical illness is it? Do we believe mental illness is treatable and that people with it can lead healthy and satisfying lives?

The U.S. Surgeon General goes on to say, “Ensuring health children and families will take an all-of-society effort, including policy, institutional, and individual changes in how we view and prioritize mental health. Our obligation to act is not just medical- it’s moral.” The Advisory states that “each of us has a role to play” and lists ways to take action.

The first way listed is to “Recognize that mental health is an essential part of overall health.” I love the statement the Advisory makes about this: “Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable, and people experiencing mental health challenges deserve support, compassion, and care, not stigma and shame.” As a parent who has raised a child who experiences mental health challenges, this hits home. Too often mental health challenges are assumed to go away on their own or they can be “cured” with changes in parenting style. Even well-meaning suggestions for how to “fix” my child’s mental illness has left me feeling alone and misunderstood. As a parent I would have rather been listened to and accepted and encouraged to seek medical help as I assume people would have done had I been talking about a physical ailment.

Another way the Advisory says we can take action is to “Empower youth and their families to recognize, manage, and learn from difficult emotions.” We can create an environment that is safe for families and youth to express how they’re feeling and offer support and validation. We can also share our experience and hope. We can help others develop a mental health tool box where they can add tools to help them such as self-care practices, the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, crisis planning, natural supports, and mental health education. The 8 Dimension of Wellness include social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, and occupational. The dimensions are interconnected and being healthy in many dimensions of our lives leads to overall wellness. For more information on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, visit samhsa.gov for SAMHSA’s workbook titled “Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness.”

According to the Advisory, a third way to take action is to “Ensure that every child has access to high-quality, affordable, and culturally competent mental health care.” Personally, this feels daunting to me. But as a parent, I can learn to advocate for my child’s needs and treatment and help others do the same. We can make sure screenings for anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts are used in schools and at doctor appointments for early detection and intervention.

If we all do our part, we can stop the stigma surrounding mental illness and we can prioritize our mental health and that of our children. This year, let’s not just be aware of mental illness. Let’s accept it as a common health problem and care for those who struggle with it and their families.

by Bill Deavel, Peer Support Coordinator

May 2, 2023

I have been able to be part of mental health awareness month for the past 7 years. It has been a learning experience for me. Why did I add SAMHSA 8 Dimensions of Wellness wheel? Glad you asked. I have, over the past couple of years, been homing in on specific dimension of wellness and working on the dimension for an entire year. Each of these dimensions plays a key role in my overall mental health. For me the one I am working on this year is Physical. I have allowed myself to be so consumed with the other dimensions that I put physical on the back burner thinking somehow was less important. Well, it has caught up to me. My physical health is now affecting my mental health. So, I have implemented small steps to address my physical health. I mention this piece of my life to you to give an example of the importance of whole health.

Mental health awareness month is a beginning point for all of us to work on our whole health which is why I put in the 8 Dimensions of Wellness wheel. I have put together a presentation for our realizing recovery webinar, which is at noon on May 17^th.  Over the last two years, I have been able to be part of a community effort to bring awareness to mental health awareness month. This year our theme will be putting art and family as part of the theme “The Art of Mental Health-Family Wellness Fair 2023” and it has been a great experience to be apart of.

Let’s go back to 7 years ago so I can explain the evolution of me being apart of this month. At the time I was working for a Mental Health Center here in Butte as a peer support specialist. I had never been part of Mental Health Awareness Month; the day hall manager organized a walk for the peers at the organization. He had t-shirts made for all those that wanted to participate. He established a route that we would take around uptown Butte. He had art groups in the previous weeks to make signs and banners. This was my first experience being involved with this event. I was unsure how I felt about participating in this event, the self-stigma that I was feeling conflicted with the passion that I had for this movement. I chose to participate in the event. The banner, which was three feet wide and six feet long, was the engine for our walk, three of our peers held the banner as we walked through uptown Butte. The were people holding signs, oh the banner said "Stomp out the Stigma," the sign said "Honk to Stomp out the Stigma." We were all wearing green t-shirts that said "Stomp out the Stigma." I was able to get past my own self stigma, embrace the moment and be part of something bigger than myself. I was filled with humility and gratitude.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been a month to be able to reflect on my growth in recovery. And as I have mentioned in this article, I can continue to improve my mental health. I have been able to grow and gain new skills to help me deal with my mental health conditions. I now can empower others to face their own journey of mental health recovery. What a true blessing this has become. I would like to encourage all of you to step into your recovery and challenge yourself to grow, that is what mental health awareness month has done for me. Lets be proud of who we are and support ourselves and other on this journey called recovery.