Mental Health
Mental health is a serious topic that people tend to skip over, deeming it as unimportant or just untrue overall. Some people say that you just need to feel happier and that's it, but realistically, your mental health is important, and your mind matters. One of the most important steps to better help your mind is to talk to someone.
You Are Not Alone
Most people struggling with mental health feel alone, like they're the only one. But they're not, there's millions of others feeling just like them. They just need to get connected.
Ways to De-stress
Stress is a completely normal part of life, but when it stacks up, it can feel consuming.
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However, it doesn't have to feel like that, there are plenty of ways to destress during your daily life.
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Here are just a few methods to destress.
Move Your Body
You don't need a full workout to help your mind. Moving your body can help release tension.
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Take a 5 - 10 minute walk
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Stretch
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Play with a pet, shoot hoops, or just go outside for fresh air
Be Kind to Yourself
A lot of stress comes from being way too hard on ourselves.
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Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend
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Remind yourself "It's okay to have bad days"
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Write down 3 things you did well today (even tiny ones)
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Let yourself rest without feeling guilty
Calm Your Mind
These are quick things you can do when your thoughts feel loud or heavy.
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Take 5 slow, deep breaths (in for 4, and out for 6)
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Try the "5-4-3-2-1" grounding exercise
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5 things you can see​
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4 things you can feel
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3 things you can hear
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2 things you can smell
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1 thing you can taste
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Close your eyes for a minute to just focus on your breathing​
These ideas may not fix everything, but they can help you feel a little less overwhelmed.
If stress is negatively effecting your life, it’s important to reach out for help—you don’t have to handle it alone.
Take a Break from the Noise
Constant notifications, homework, and drama can make your brain feel overloaded.
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Put your phone down for 5-15 minutes
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Mute or unfollow accounts that make you feel worse
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Turn on "Do Not Disturb" while resting or studying
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Step away from your schoolwork for a short break before you dive back in
Talk it Out or Write it Out
Sometimes getting thoughts out of your head—into words—can make them feel lighter.
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Text or call a trusted friend or adult
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Talk to someone who will listen
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Write your thoughts and feelings into a journal
Montana is Struggling
As a Montana-based company, we see how our community is struggling with mental health.
Montana is a beautiful place—but it can also be a really hard place for mental health.
Long winters, long distances between towns, and not enough mental health providers make it harder for people to get help when they need it.
On top of that, many people are raised to “tough it out” instead of talking about how they feel.
What Makes Mental Health Difficult in Montana
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Distance and Isolation
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​Many people live far away from their towns or cities, making them feel lonely. This distance can also hinder them by keeping them far from friends, counselors, and support groups, and by providing citizens with an overall lack of social interaction. ​
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Weather and Seasons​
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Montana is known for its long, dark winters with poor road conditions. These hindrances make it difficult to get out of the house, socialize, or build up motivation. ​
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"Be though" Culture​
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Montana is known as a ranching and farming state, and those who are immersed in that side of the culture are often brought up with brute-ish ideals of what they should be. Those who grow up hearing "Suck it up" or "Rub some dirt on it" often have a difficult time admitting when they need help, thinking they can just brush it off or deal with it on their own. ​
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Not enough support​
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Montana is in a deficit of certified counselors and therapists, which often leaves its population feeling alone and destitute. Not everyone who needs help is getting the aid they need.​ That is why we're here. We are dedicated to helping our community feel better. Our services cater to those who may be feeling alone in this massive state.
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Though it may feel like it, you are not alone. Struggling with mental health is a common experience in Montana. Many teens and adults here feel stressed, lonely, or hopeless, and don't know where to turn. Your feelings are real, and they deserve to be heard.
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If you are in Montana and you feel like your mental health may be too much to handle on your own, please seek help through close friends and family around you, a trusted adult, or the people here at Your Mind Matters. Needing help doesn't make you weak, it makes you human.