Westside Stories

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of mental health and reducing the stigmas associated with mental illness. This month also celebrates the importance of mental well-being and encourages individuals to seek help when they need it.

Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health continues to cause discrimination and social isolation, leading many to feel ashamed and unworthy. In any given year, one in five American adults experiences some form of mental illness, and one in every 20 adults lives with serious mental-health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression.

The suicide rate in the U.S. is alarming. In 2023, nearly 49,000 people died by suicide, which translates to one death every 11 minutes. Disturbingly, 80 percent of these individuals were men, with the highest suicide rate occurring among males aged 75 and older.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness encourages individuals to share their mental-health stories to inspire and empower those who may be struggling. Throughout my life, I have battled depression and anxiety to varying degrees. Over the years, I learned to wear a mask, hiding my struggles and not wanting to be perceived as weak or inferior. As I grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult to conceal this internal battle. Speaking about it with my closest family and friends has helped lighten that burden.

To gain insight into the services available in our county, I recently met with Christine DesRosier from Wahkiakum County Behavioral Health. With decades of experience in the field, Christine came out of retirement to assist the residents of Wahkiakum County.

During our conversation, Christine emphasized, “First and foremost, I don’t see behavioral health as merely substance use or mental health; I see it as health care. What’s unique about Wahkiakum County is that care has been kept local for decades through Health and Human Services. Residents are served by providers within their county, which removes obstacles to access. The biggest issue with behavioral health is access, access, access.”

Despite being a small, rural area with a limited budget, we are fortunate to have various services available. The Health and Human Services (HHS) department offers individual and family counseling, psychiatric services, case management, and peer support. Requesting services is easy, as one only needs to call (360-795-863, Option 1) or visit the office at 42 Elochoman Valley Road. More resources and information can also be found on the website, http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/623/Health-Human-Services.

While rural living has many benefits, it also has its downsides. For instance, isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Although making an effort to connect with others may not always be easy, there are several ways to engage with the community, even in our small community. If this is a struggle for you, you might consider attending senior lunches at Rosburg Hall, enjoying a cup of coffee at Appelo Archives, volunteering at the food bank, or becoming a youth mentor. Additionally, take the time to reach out to a friend or neighbor you haven’t seen in a while to check in on them. You never know what challenges they might be facing, and a listening ear can make a world of difference.

One excellent opportunity to connect with the community is the breakfast hosted by the Deep River American Legion Post 0111 this Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Rosburg Hall. The menu features all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs cooked to order, Polish sausage, ham, and beverages like coffee, orange juice, and milk. The cost is $8 for teens and adults, $4 for children ages 3 to 12, and veterans eat for free. Proceeds from the event will support the Naselle-Grays River community, veterans, and local students.

This breakfast is a popular event, providing a chance to enjoy the company of both old and new friends. Legionnaires will be cooking, while volunteer students from Naselle-Grays River Valley School will serve the food.

In other exciting news, the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office and the Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management have reopened their satellite office at Johnson Park Community Center on the West End. The office is located in Room 8, also known as the Norilyn Pakenen Room, and is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. Feel free to stop by to meet with staff, learn about local hazards, and discover how you can prepare for a major disaster.

Westside Happenings

May

15 – Appelo Archives Author Series,

Tami J. Whitmore, 1 p.m.

17 – American Legion Breakfast at

Rosburg Hall, 8-11:30 a.m.

20 – NGRV District School Board

Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

22 - Appelo Archives Author Series,

Shaun Martin, 1 p.m.

29 - Appelo Archives Author Series,

Greg Jacob, 1 p.m.

Westside Happenings

June

19 – Farm & Kitchen Barter Night at

Grays River Grange, 5 – 8 p.m.

21 – Finnish Midsummer Tea at

Appelo Archives Center, 1 p.m.

21 – Bazaar, Art, and Garage Sale Summer

Kickoff at Johnson Park, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.