Mental Health Matters: World Mental Health Day and Montana's Challenges
I think we live in a world where, like we, don't get enough mental health days, and so that's the reason why many organizations give paid mental health days.
Katie and Jim from Montana's Peer Network bring a heartfelt discussion to the table in this episode, covering the importance of World Mental Health Day and the current state of mental health services in Montana. They kick things off with updates on the latest happenings at MPN, including upcoming trainings that aim to bolster peer support across the state.
Katie voices her thoughts on the necessity for more mental health days, pointing out that despite some organizations offering paid mental health days, many people hesitate to take them due to stigma or fear of judgment. Jim chimes in with a suggestion: perhaps MPN should consider swapping Columbus Day for World Mental Health Day to emphasize its importance. The conversation then shifts to Montana's troubling low rating in mental health services.
Jim explains that Montana received an F on a national grading scale, with several categories scoring a zero. He expresses frustration over the confusing legal language used in the grading criteria and suggests inviting an attorney on a future episode for clarity. Katie and Jim also delve into the national certification for peer specialists, highlighting the National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) program.
They stress that while the program requires specific hours and years of experience, it can significantly benefit those looking to become peer specialists. Preventing crisis is another key topic, with both hosts sharing personal tools and emphasizing the critical role of peer support. They wrap up by announcing upcoming peer support trainings in Montana, providing listeners with valuable resources and insights throughout the episode. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health advocacy and peer support.