BOISE, IDAHO (CBS2) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and CBS2 is shedding light on local mental health organizations that are making a difference.
Beth Markley Executive Director of NAMI Idaho, says their programs are a bit different from traditional therapy.
Instead, they rely on support groups with peers made up of similar lived experiences, in an effort to help those struggling with mental health problems in the state.
"Support groups in and of themselves are not therapy, but they are data-driven tools to do some very powerful things like reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. When you feel lonely and unempowered, that can be a very isolating experience, and when you're talking to other people who can relate to what you're going through, suddenly a whole new world can open up for you. You can help keep yourself grounded and accountable for moving forward in your recovery," Markley said.
She says that when it comes to mental health there are two big concerns in the state, the stigma and the resources.
"We need to be able to tell people about where we are and how we're feeling, or else we won't seek help. We need to feel like we don't face the danger of prejudice or job loss when we come forward because then we damp it down until it becomes serious or an emergency," she said.
In terms of access to resources, she says that's another area of struggle.
"We are a federally designated shortage area, 70% of folks in Idaho do not have easy access to mental health services and that's a really big problem."
Markley says if you're struggling with something you don't need to go through it by yourself.
"You are not alone, there are other people who are going through what you're going through. There are other folks with lived experiences who have been on similar journeys and they can help provide the answers if you can reach out. If you can join a support group, and educate yourself, you don't have to go through this alone," she said.
For more information on NAMI or to see the different programs they offer, click here.
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