Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
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Stigma. It often involves inaccurate stereotypes. Negative attitudes, prejudice and false beliefs create stigma in mental health. Assigning people with certain traits that have a mental health disorder can have serious harmful effects on their mental health and wellbeing. When someone is facing the challenges of a mental health disorder, and adding someone’s negative reactions to it, this adds nothing but additional pain. Stigma surrounding mental health disorders can include social exclusion and isolation, decreased self-esteem, d...
Delta-8 is a naturally occurring chemical compound, called a cannabinoid, that is found in traces in hemp and marijuana plants. Its popularity is on the rise, and you can purchase it legally in many States. It comes in various forms, including gummies or brownies, liquids, sprays, lotions/creams, capsules, and vape cartridges, and is often referred to as “diet weed”. Individuals argue that because it is “natural” it has to be something that is “safe” to use, but let’s take a deeper look at this, what it actually is, what it does, if it is addi...
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time to recognize victims and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. October was first declared Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989, with the goal of connecting advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and children. The theme for this year is, “#Every1KnowsSome1” and strives to bring awareness of how common domestic violence is, and that it is more than physical violence. This awareness has also come to light that it doe...
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It is dedicated as a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, to those who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and to acknowledge the individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. The World Health Organization came out with an article in August 2023 stating that, “Every year 703,000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide.” Suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2019. Statistics conti...
Kratom is a popular herbal supplement derived from the dried leaves of a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family. People use kratom to treat chronic pain, depression and anxiety. And some use it to lessen the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Anyone can buy kratom online, and it can be found at convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops. About 1.7 million people 12 and older used kratom in the United States in 2021, according to the National Survey on Drug Use. But kratom is not without risks. I recently read an article that talked about...
Summer months. A time most of us in Wyoming anxiously wait for as winter can seem cold, bleak, and feel like it can drag on forever. People often report the best mental health in the summer. This can be due to various factors including longer days, warmer temperatures, and an increase in Vitamin D. So how can you take advantage of the summer months and improve your mental health at the same time? Let’s take a closer look at Vitamin D and the impact it can have on mental health. It is estimated that more than 40% of Americans have a Vitamin D d...
Every year on the Fourth of July we celebrate our independence with grand fireworks displays all over the country. From small town America to the big cities, spectacular displays of lights and noises take place. The intent behind it and the celebration of it is quite honoring. However, this “celebration” can seriously impact our veterans. The sounds, smells and shockwaves of fireworks can be very triggering for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD, as well as any combat veteran regardless of their PTSD sta...
According to an article in U.S. News and World Report, deaths involving methamphetamine are “skyrocketing.” The article states that deaths from methamphetamine among Americans increased “50-fold” between 1999 and 2021. Most of the deaths also involved fentanyl and heroin. Data reviewed from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 1999, 608 deaths were attributed to meth. By 2021, the number had skyrocketed to nearly 52,400, with 61% of fatal meth overdoses involving heroin or fentanyl. Additional statistics that ar...
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but the reality is, we need to talk about mental health all year round. By not talking about mental health, we add to the stigma that surrounds it. Stigma can lead to a reluctance for individuals to seek treatment. Approximately 20% of Americans will experience mental illness in their lifetime, yet fewer than half of those ever seek treatment. And, the longer mental health issues go untreated, the more severe they can become. But, talking about mental health can be a challenge, and sometimes difficult....
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a prescription drug; however, it is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, such as after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal...
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that involves a detachment from reality. Along with symptoms that affect concentration and memory, people living with schizophrenia experience psychosis, which can include hallucinations and delusions. Individuals might lose interest in their usual activities, struggle with self-care, and withdraw from loved ones. These symptoms not only make daily life difficult and contribute to emotional distress, they can also lead to isolation, sleep problems, or substance use, any of which can affect well-being...
Honesty is crucial when living a life of recovery. The process of actually admitting with heart, mind and soul that you are an addict and need help puts you on the right road toward recovery. It may seem like a no-brainer, but in reality it can be very difficult to achieve. One reason it can be difficult to “keep it real” in recovery, is the simple fact that you do not know yourself. When active in your addiction, you created a persona that was the result of your addiction. Maybe you started using drugs to improve your self-esteem, to bec...
Adjustment disorder is a common mental health diagnosis that is not very often brought to light or discussed. Adjustment disorders are stress-related conditions. An individual experiences more stress than would normally be expected in response to a stressful or unexpected event, and the stress causes significant problems in relationships, at work or at school. Adjustment disorder can affect anyone at any age, even children. Problems at work, going away to college and leaving home, a chronic illness, death of a close family member, having a...
It’s no secret that addiction ruins lives. When parents become addicted to drugs and alcohol, it impacts their physical and emotional health, behaviors, and their ability to effectively parent their children. For the children, they can experience minor neglect up to full-blown physical, mental and even sexual abuse. For parents who are struggling with substance abuse, it can cause immense trauma and a child’s emotional and psychological development can be impacted to a degree that can be beyond repair. Here are some concerning facts pro...
What do you think of when you hear “mental wellness”? You might think this defines a state of constant happiness. But it’s more than that. The key to mental wellness is—instead of staying consistently happy, it is passing through many life events and emotions with a sense of balance. The World Health Organization provides a mental wellness definition: “A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribut...
Often times when someone enters treatment for addiction they have a difficult time seeing their life clean and sober. They see their lifestyle of using substances as the only way they can have fun, and that without it, life would be “boring.” There’s the misconception that if you’re sober, you as an individual are not fun, and you won’t be able to enjoy your life to the fullest. Living a life of sobriety and recovery is anything but boring! Sober living isn’t just interesting; it’s fulfilling and meaningful. The benefits of being sober include...
A new year here and with that comes the ever popular, but rarely accomplished new year’s resolutions. This year, I would challenge that and offer a new perspective. Instead of making a just a resolution, let’s make this year a year of reflection. Rather than focusing on the goal that you feel must be accomplished, focus instead on the journey of personal growth as you work toward that goal. In looking back at the past year, try and see the opportunities of growth, rather than possible resolutions that weren’t kept. Don’t get me wrong, goals a...
The holidays are just around the corner and with that it usually brings cheer, family time, laughter, sharing with others, and making special memories with those you love. However, grief can change all of that. I so wish you could press pause on grief during the holiday season, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Grief is complicated and unique for everyone. While accepting loss becomes easier over time, it is often something we carry with us forever. Author Vicki Harrison quotes, “Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and...
Seasonal depression, also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression. It’s triggered by the change of seasons and most commonly begins in the fall. This seasonal depression gets worse toward the later part of fall or early winter before ending when the sunnier days of spring begin. You can also get a mild version of SAD, often times just labeled the “winter blues.” Let’s face it, it’s normal to feel a little down during colder months when you’re stuck inside more and it gets darker earlier. But full SAD goes beyond this...
The last article to cover addiction-related issues was to help gain an understanding about the difference between sobriety and recovery. It was to help recognize that recovery is more than just abstinence from a substance or behavior. Obviously, abstinence is an important component of the recovery process, but it does not equate to recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and s...
Depression is a treatable condition and it is not part of the normal aging process. However, older adults are at an increased risk for depression. Approximately 80% of aging adults have a chronic health condition according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 50% have two or more conditions. Depression is common in older adults who suffer from physical illnesses such as cancer, chronic pain, heart disease, etc., or whose functioning becomes limited. Often times physicians treating the elderly see these issues as a...
What is the difference between stress and anxiety? Are they one in the same or different? There is a fine line between stress and anxiety. Stress is typically caused by an external trigger. The trigger can be short-term, such as an argument with a loved one, or it can be long-term, such as being unemployed for an extended period of time or having a chronic illness. The stress usually subsides once the stressor is gone or dealt with. People under stress can experience mental and physical symptoms, such as irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pai...
One of the most important things a person in addiction recovery can do is to maintain employment. It is very important that they do not isolate and become unproductive. Employment is one way to provide daily stimulation, structure, and interactions in the world and with others. It helps to keep the mind sharp and allows the individual to engage emotionally with others in a new and healthy way. However, there can be certain obstacles when seeking work. One of the most difficult obstacles is reputation issues. This is especially true in small...
Meet Anthony Herrera. Anthony is and addiction recovery warrior. Anthony has struggled with addiction "for at least 20 years." Anthony began his journey of addiction at the age of 15 when he was first introduced to alcohol by family members. From there, his addiction grew. He started smoking marijuana and methamphetamine at the age of 16, and from the ages of 15-21, he had five MIP [minor in possession] citations. Around the age of 18 or 19, he started using cocaine and used it "as much as I cou...
Last month for the mental health article I discussed men and depression and the stigma that often goes with men addressing this. This week, I am following up with one man who has been able to tackle that stigma. Meet Jordan McKamey. Jordan is a long-time resident who was born in Worland. While growing up here, he was involved in various sports activities and school involvement. Overall, he was happy, however, Jordan began to experience depression in his late teens, "probably between 17 and 19."...