Nationally, the second leading cause of death of youth aged 15–24 is suicide with 6,062 suicides occurring in 2020 for this age group. From 2011 to 2020, Montana teens ages 11–17 died by suicide at twice the national rate. Furthermore, in the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Montana Office of Public Instruction, one in four Montana high school students had seriously considered attempting suicide within the past 12 months, and approximately one in seven did attempt suicide. With statistics piling up and stigma rearing its head Montana teens need help.

Stigma, defined in psychiatry as a devalued group identity created by negative judgment we levy against each other, can create a harmful environment leading to misinformation and isolation. According to research, individuals with mental health challenges receive negative public opinion and often isolate themselves to avoid discrimination, making their problems worse. While reducing stigma around mental health issues can be difficult, research shows it is the only way to offer better understanding and allow individuals the courage to get help before a mental health crisis or suicide occurs. Understanding groups at higher risk for mental health problems and how to de-stigmatize mental health services may lead to better outcomes for academic success, social relationships, self-advocacy, and future career success.

Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) is one program being offered by Montana State University Extension to Montana teens in high schools with approval from the school administration. The program, backed by rigorous research evidence of its effectiveness, focuses on mental health resources, self-help strategies, understanding dilemmas, stress and crisis, depression and suicidal thoughts, and helping friends in need.

Thoughtful resource-based tools allow teens to work through dilemmas relevant to their lives and think ahead to potential consequences, giving them an advantage when faced with a real-life difficult situation. The safe environment created without judgment allows role-play opportunities for acting out situations teens may face with peers while getting different perspectives from others in their class. Peers tend to correct negative behaviors acted out in role plays without the same misunderstanding adults can create. An informational booklet is provided to each student, giving teens a resource with a recap of the course and contact information for nearby help in the event of a crisis. Trained professionals leading the group ensure the conversation is guided with care, compassion, and resource-based educational tools. Issues of concern are brought to the attention of the school’s counseling staff for teens possibly needing extra assistance. By giving teens an opportunity to learn about mental health topics with their peers, YAM is helping dispel the stigma surrounding mental health issues in teens.

YAM is not the only mental health-related program MSU Extension provides. Adult programs include Mental Health First Aid and QPR. Mental Health First Aid prepares people to respond with knowledge, confidence and compassion when another adult is experiencing a mental health problem. Youth Mental Health First Aid is similar, but the focus is on training adults to respond to youth, with attention to issues specific to youth, including understanding typical adolescent development, as well as unique risk factors for teens. Both versions train participants to use a five-part action plan to provide aid in crisis and non-crisis situations. One of the primary crisis situations explored in depth is suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper training is another prevention program offered by MSU Extension that is specifically focused on preventing suicide. In QPR, participants learn about risk factors, warning signs, and how to get help for someone who may be in crisis. A listing of MSU Extension instructors for each of these programs and an online request form is available at montana.edu/extension/health/mental_health.html.

Through programs such as YAM and Youth Mental Health First Aid, MSU Extension is paving the way for Montana youth to better understand how to get the help they need when mental health issues arise. Join the thousands of people working to end the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and give teens the courage to ask for help before another young life is lost to suicide.

If you or someone you know is in need of support for a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8 or text ‘MT’ to 741741. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Group of people in a room sitting in a circle listening to each other talk.

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Katherine Purkett is an MSU Extension Family and Consumer Science agent in Hill County; Alison Brennan is an MSU Extension Mental Health Specialist.