| Shining a spotlight on mental health this month
From the mountains to the Black Canyon to stunning desert landscapes, we live in a pretty stunning spot out here on the Western Slope. Our communities may look like paradise from the outside, and for many, maybe they are.
But, beneath the beauty, members of our community struggle just as much, if not more, with mental health than people from anywhere else.
This month is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and in Saturday's paper we'll look at a few events that are aimed at de-stigmatizing mental health struggles and teaching people how to discuss them.
I've had a few chances to cover this topic, and I always try to do so carefully. It's something anyone can struggle with, and I hope by writing about it we can get the word out about what's out there, and how common these struggles are.
Earlier this year, I got to take a deeper dive into the specific issues mountain communities face and the problem in towns like ours for an article called "Depression in Paradise".
In the story, pro skier Drew Petersen discusses his own story battling mental health while backflipping off ledges on two wooden planks, while local pros weigh in on the struggles our communities face and how we can all help talk about mental health.
Saturday's story echoes the same tips, and the main one is encouraging people to talk to their loved ones about mental health, especially if they may be struggling.
And, for those with immediate thoughts of harming themselves, there's resources available that I always try to share when covering stories like this.
The first is Axis Health's Regional Crisis Center, which open 24/7, no appointment necessary, and is located at 300 N. Cascade Ave. Another is Paragon Behavioral Health Connections, which offers a crisis stabilization program for emergencies. Finally, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available at 988.
Cheers,
Kylea from the newsroom
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