Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
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One definition of self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular, during periods of stress. It’s very important to take the time to evaluate your own state of mind and pursue what will make you the best version of yourself. This allows you to be your best self not only for you, but those around you as well! Some ways to start incorporating self-care habits into daily life are saying no when your plate is full, taking time in the morning or in the evening to do something you...
In the earlier community education article "What is Harm Reduction," which was printed in the Aug. 31 issue of the Glasgow Courier, the harm reduction model was defined as a practice of strategies that reduce drug-related harm to the individual and community through programs to support well-being and lessen infectious disease transmission. Addiction and drug use are understood through the disease model as substance-use disorders. Evidence shows that harm reduction strategies do not encourage...
In Valley County, almost five percent of high school students have tried meth or heroin. Just over eight percent have tried cocaine, MDMA, or hallucinogens. Almost one-fifth have used a prescription medication other than as prescribed. 2021 American overdose deaths break record: over 107,000, or one death every five minutes. The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) asserts that harm reduction “emphasizes direct engagement with people who use drugs to prevent overdose and infectious disease transmission, improve t...
As of Jan 1, 2022, medical and recreational marijuana use is legal in Montana for people over 21. Since weed/pot/cannabis is now in similar standing to alcohol, updated marijuana education and understanding of responsible consumption is needed. People use cannabis - including kids in rural areas. Forty-seven percent of Valley County high schoolers have tried marijuana at least once, but only 23 percent could be described as current users. Cannabis sativa has been in use medically and recreationally for thousands of years and has been...
With increasing acceptance and information, more people are understanding themselves as and identifying as part of the LGBT community. Part of growing up is exploring what it means to be you and having the pleasure of your loved ones knowing you in your authenticity. Like cisgender kids (pronounced ‘sis’, aka their gender aligns with biological sex), kids who don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth know who they are at an early age – even if they don’t have the vocabulary to describe it. Studies have shown that by elementar...
Here I am, writing to whomever takes the time to read this. Why read this you ask? Because I CARE, because I want to see CHANGE, and because I want YOU to know that I am here. Who am I? Brianna Leader. Do you know me? More than likely. Do you like or respect me? Hopefully! Am I a skilled writer with formal training? Absolutely not! Will I struggle with correct usage of tense and proper punctuation throughout this piece? With 100 percent certainty! What am I to you? I could be A LOT of different things, but for this purpose, I am a community...
For far too long, there has been a stigma surrounding mental health, making it incredibly difficult for the very people who need it the most to reach out. With an estimated 44 million people living with a mental illness and around 60% of them not receiving any treatment; something needs to be done to address this topic. In recent years, change has been happening. Communities are rallying for a seat at the table and those without a voice are finding space to speak freely. Behavioral Health is now talked about more than ever and professionals in...
Data gathered from our state and nation continues to show that 1 in 5 persons deal with behavior health problems that interfere with a normal functioning life. This data means that about 1,500 citizens in Valley County have or are dealing with the presence of such problems, either directly or with a family member. The 2021 Montana School Risk Survey results show that nearly 42% of high school students reported having had times of depression in the last year – i.e., two weeks of noticeable i...
The Valley CARE Coalition on June 25 hosted a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course, taught by Connie Wethern, at the Glasgow Evangelical Church. "Connie did an amazing job engaging and connecting with the students," said Michelle Norcutt. This course focused on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearance that show there might be a challenge. "Connie's knowledge, experience, and passion were evident in this course," said one attendee. "Her no nonsense, genuine...
The Valley CARE Coalition proudly presents stories from Valley County residents who have struggled, continue to struggle, or have found peace surrounding mental health, substance use disorders, or behavioral health. Battling this is a symbol of strength and courage and should be highlighted as such. The phrase 'mental health' gives me a sense of comfort because I know I have it. I am forty-three years old and I deal with schizophrenia. It is hard to detect when you are the one going through it....
The Valley CARE Coalition proudly presents stories from Valley County residents who have struggled, continue to struggle, or have found peace surrounding mental health, substance use disorders, or behavioral health. Battling this is a symbol of strength and courage and should be highlighted as such. My postpartum journey was a struggle from the beginning to say the least. I had envisioned, like many new moms, coming home with a bubbly snuggly baby and being so excited to finally hold them, feel fulfilled, overwhelming joy...I had a fairytale...
You remember the feeling: Standing up in front of the class, palms sweating, trying to remember the words you had so carefully memorized the night before; waiting on the edge of the dance floor; the test you absolutely didn’t study for; the first day of school; the big game; the red and blue lights in the rearview mirror. Stress. Teens today are overwhelmed by stress and influences that have not been seen in past generations. While teens are still impacted by the traditional short-term stress that occurs when preparing for a test, a school danc...
All parents wish they could protect their children from experiencing pain or stress. A teenager today will be faced with new challenges and stessors continually. The national Child Traumatic Stress Network reports that 4 out of 10 adolescents have witnessed violence, 17 percent have been physically assaulted, and as many as eight percent have experienced secual assault. Teen stress management involves developing healthy coping skills and creating a mindset and environment that diffuses stress and provides positive resources. Learning to...
