With Montana Winter On It's Way, Comes This Concern

A topic that people don't love to talk about in general is mental health. Over the years, the topic has gained some popularity when it comes to conversations, but it's still one of the hardest topics to grasp.

Almost everyone is experiencing some sort of struggle with mental health or knows someone who struggles with it.

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According to Rural Minds, there are reasons states like Montana have a higher number of residents reporting mental health symptoms.

RURAL AREAS HAVE 20% FEWER PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS THAN URBAN AREAS
65% OF RURAL COUNTIES DO NOT HAVE A PSYCHIATRIST
95%OF RURAL COUNTIES DO NOT HAVE A CHILD PSYCHIATRIST
81% OF RURAL COUNTIES DO NOT HAVE A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
28% OF RURAL HOMES LACK ACCESS TO BROADBAND

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Rural Minds recognizes states like Montana that have more rural communities than large communities and the importance of the need for extended mental health needs.

In fact, Forbes released the states with the highest "seasonal depression" or "winter blues" rates, and Montana ranks within the top 10.

This comes as no surprise for the state considering there are times we have 9+ months of winter. The amount of sunshine each day is limited and many of us end up going to work in the dark and heading home in the dark. Leaving our lunch hour, one of the only times we get to enjoy some sunshine, if the temperatures allow it.

Let's face it, moving to Montana seems like rainbows and butterflies, but when you do your research, there are some unfortunate mental struggles that also come with it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, first off, you/they are not alone, and secondly, there is help available.

MENTAL HEALTH HELP IN MONTANA

cc: Forbes, Rural Minds