When Life Gets ToughMay is Mental Health Awareness Month — No judgment. Just help.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to check in—with ourselves, with others, and with our community. It’s a time to remind each other that mental health matters and that support is always within reach. The Flathead County Suicide Prevention Coalition is made up of organizations that are working to make sure everyone knows about a simple, powerful resource: the 988 Lifeline. Their current campaign, “When Life Gets Tough,” is helping to spread awareness throughout the county to let people know there’s someone to talk to, anytime. When life gets tough CALL or TEXT 988. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. What is Montana 988? The 988 Lifeline is made up of regional call centers across the United States. Montana 988 includes call centers across the state that confidentially connect people with trained crisis counselors who listen, support, and help connect you to resources if needed. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out—988 is for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or just having a rough day, 988 is a place to turn for support. What You Can Do to Help The strength of this campaign lies in community support. Whether you're an individual, a small business owner, or part of a local organization, there are simple ways to get involved and help spread the word. For Individuals:
For Businesses:
For Other Organizations:
Why This Matters Mental health challenges are something many of us face, but often people don’t know where to turn. By helping spread the word about 988, you're offering a clear, compassionate message: help is available and no one has to go through difficult times alone. This campaign is about connection. It’s about being part of a community that looks out for one another, that takes care of each other, and that leads with hope. Take the Next Step Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to join in. A small action—like putting up a sticker or sharing a post—can open a door for someone who needs it. To learn more, request materials, or get involved with the Flathead County Suicide Prevention Coalition, visit https://www.natechutefoundation.org/fcspc.html. For more information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, visit www.988lifeline.org. When life gets tough, CALL or TEXT 988. No judgment. Just help. Earth Day, celebrated every April 22nd, is a time to reflect on the beauty of our planet and take action to protect it. Here in Northwest Montana, we are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—towering peaks, vast forests, and pristine rivers. Many of us choose to live here because of our deep connection to the land, the wildlife, and the sense of peace that comes from being close to nature. However, the signs of climate change, from receding glaciers in Glacier National Park to shifting weather patterns, can feel overwhelming. Eco-anxiety—the stress and hopelessness that can come from worrying about the future of our planet—is real and can take a toll on mental health. At the Nate Chute Foundation, we understand that mental wellness is deeply connected to our environment and the world around us. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the Earth, you’re not alone. The good news? There are ways to navigate these feelings and take positive action for both your mental well-being and the planet. What is Climate Anxiety? Climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, is the emotional distress linked to concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. It affects people of all ages, but younger generations often feel the weight of these challenges the most. Acknowledging these feelings is important, but so is finding ways to channel them into action and hope. 10 Ways to Support Your Mental Health This Earth Day
Newsletters for People With Climate Anxiety If you’re looking for regular updates that highlight solutions and progress in the fight against climate change, consider subscribing to these newsletters:
Climate Optimism Social Media Accounts to Follow Earth Day is about honoring and protecting our planet, but it’s also a reminder to take care of ourselves. By finding ways to manage stress and take meaningful action, we can turn eco-anxiety into eco-empowerment. Remember: You are not alone in your concern for the Earth. Small efforts matter, and together, we can make a difference—for the planet and our mental well-being. Sources:
This weekend, snowboarders, supporters and the greater Flathead Valley community will come together for the 26th Annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross event at Whitefish Mountain Resort. More than just a competition, this event is a powerful gathering in support of mental wellness and suicide prevention, benefiting the Nate Chute Foundation (NCF).
This year’s fundraiser is already off to an incredible start, with a peer-to-peer fundraising team of 20 people having raised over $25,000 toward a $35,000 goal. Additional fundraising activities throughout the weekend will help boost this total, reinforcing the community’s commitment to supporting mental health resources in the Flathead Valley. "This event is truly special," says Corrie Holloway, NCF Outreach Coordinator. "The group of people who come together for this weekend is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. Their support of NCF’s mission is a powerful reminder of the collective effort it takes to make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for the love and encouragement they bring to this cause." Weekend Schedule & Fundraising Events Friday, March 22:
A Weekend of Community & ConnectionThis annual event is a local favorite, bringing together snowboarders of all ages and abilities, along with friends, family, and supporters, to celebrate the power of community in the face of life’s challenges. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, the Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross event stands as a beacon of connection, resilience, and shared purpose. Every dollar raised helps NCF continue its vital work in suicide prevention, education, and mental health advocacy throughout the Flathead Valley. To learn more or contribute to the fundraiser, visit www.natechutefoundation.org. Let’s make this weekend one to remember—on and off the slopes To our government workers in the valley: We see you. We know that the recent changes have impacted not just your work, but your sense of stability and community. Please remember, it's okay to reach out for support and lean on those around you. Support from friends, family, and the wider community can make all the difference in navigating this transition. You are not alone. In February 2025, approximately 3,400 Forest Service employees and 1,000 Park Service workers were terminated nationwide as part of federal workforce reductions. In Montana alone, 360 Forest Service positions were eliminated, affecting numerous families and local economies. The recent layoffs within the U.S. Government have profoundly impacted our community. Job insecurity can bring about feelings of stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt. However, it is important to remember that your worth is not defined by your employment status. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that maintaining strong social connections can help buffer the mental health effects of job loss, improving resilience and overall well-being. Seeking support, staying engaged in meaningful activities, and focusing on self-care can create a foundation for stability during uncertain times. Prioritizing Your Mental Wellness During this time of transition, it’s important to take care of your mental well-being. Focusing on connection and personal well-being can help you regain a sense of stability. Here are some steps that can help:
Supporting Those Affected To everyone in our community: check in with your neighbors and friends—sometimes a simple message or a listening ear can make all the difference. If you know someone who has lost their job, here are a few ways you can help:
Moving Forward with Hope Change can be difficult, but it can also bring new opportunities. By focusing on your mental wellness and seeking support, you can navigate this transition with resilience. Remember, you are not alone—there are people and resources ready to help. Taking small steps toward self-care and connection can make a significant difference in your journey forward. Likewise, as a community, reaching out and offering support can help those affected feel less isolated and more hopeful about the future. Resources Community Resources and Assistance: Montana211.org
Food Banks
Employment Assistance
Housing Assistance Local Support
If there are more resources that can be listed here, please reach out to [email protected] to have them added. Sources: cdc.gov, nih.gov, psychiatry.org, nbcmontana.com, jamanetwork.com, who.int, nextavenue.org. Benefits of New Year’s Resolutions and Goals
Reasons to Rethink the Resolutions
By taking a flexible, self-compassionate approach to the new year, you can prioritize mental well-being and make meaningful, sustainable changes at your own pace. Sources: mentalhealthfirstaid.org, foundationswellness.net, riviamind.com This is an exerpt from the Flathead Beacon. Editor’s Note: This article contains mentions of suicide. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. "As Montana’s youth suicide rates continue to outpace the national average, with Flathead County ranking near the top, local coaches, educator, and prevention experts say stories of strength and resilience are important mile markers in the marathon of mental wellness. BY MICAH DREW OCTOBER 27, 2024 Running 26.2 miles is not a feasible treatment option for everyone struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, but any intentional acts of physical or mental well-being can be hugely beneficial, says Nicci Schellinger-Daniher, program director for the Nate Chute Foundation.
“Not everyone can do a marathon, but youths and adolescents look for milestones they can achieve at that age. Setting even little, positive goals you can do for yourself like getting better sleep, or going for walks can be hugely beneficial. We talk about this in classrooms now — find those things to destress, walking your dog, taking time to pet your cat, reading a book. Even though these things seem simple, they all add up to how we show up in the world,” Daniher said. “I remember hearing about Connor completing the marathon and it’s an absolutely great story. It’s important to show stories of strength and resilience because they’re as important in the landscape of prevention as those about warning signs and who to talk to and so on.” Conversations surrounding suicide prevention increase following tragedies, but Daniher and other mental health professional emphasize the need to have conversations more regularly. The Nate Chute Foundation has been an anchor in the Flathead Valley’s suicide awareness landscape for decades and is continually evolving its approach, most recently following a 16-month stretch in 2021 when eight Flathead Valley teenagers died by suicide, raising awareness and outreach in a community struck by tragedy. “We’re still grieving and learning from the crisis we saw in 2021,” Daniher said. “One thing that emerged for Nate Chute Foundation after that period was we changed our mission. It was initially focused on preventing suicide in the Flathead Valley, and then we added promotion of mental wellness, because we don’t want to strictly address this from the standard suicide-prevention protocol of talking about risk factors and warning signs. One way to approach suicide prevention is to approach it from strength. Get in classrooms and not just talk about hard things that may lead you to mental health struggles, but about the positive things you can do for yourself.” The Glacier High School soccer team at Legends Stadium on Sept. 16, 2021. Prior to the match, the players paid tribute to a teammate who died by suicide less than 10 days earlier. Hunter D’Antuono | Flathead BeaconAnother change that Daniher said has occurred in recent years is the start of grassroots student clubs at each of the valley’s high schools centered around mental wellness and nurturing open dialogue. “We want to normalize talking about what we’re going through. If you can talk to your friends about going to physical therapy because you broke your leg, we want you to be able to talk to them about going to a therapist in the same way,” Daniher said. “Getting kids to normalize checking in on one another and be OK saying, ‘at this moment, life sucks and I’m not doing well.’ Saying that out loud can take the lid off the boiling pot of water and reduces the chance of someone going through with thoughts of suicide.” Read the full article here: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2024/10/27/running-for-your-life/ Give Where You Live
Your donation, along with a $10,000 incentive grant, goes a long way to ensure that we can continue to provide the community with free suicide prevention and mental wellness programs. Last year alone we trained 2,400 local students and nearly 1,000 adults!
Ways to Donate To donate by credit card click HERE or to donate by check: fill out an official donation form by clicking HERE and mail it in along with your check made out to Whitefish Community Foundation P.O. Box 1060 Whitefish, MT 59937 A unique/unduplicated donor is defined as a household or business that has not previously given in this year’s Challenge. Family members and domestic partners residing at the same household who give separately are considered one donor.
Join our free LEARN program to find out.![]() "Many of us have confided in others during dark times, and vice versa. But it can feel awkward, evening frightening, not knowing what to do when a loved one or peer shows signs of suicide." Our mission here at NCF is to, support, educate, and empower our communities to promote mental wellness and reduce suicide. One way we carry out this mission is to provide free community trainings. Join us for our next class on April 9th at the Bigfork Arts & Cultural Center. This 90 minute LEARN training, developed by Forefront Suicide Prevention from the University of Washington, teaches people the 5-step process to talk with people about how they are doing, if they are considering suicide, and how to take the next steps to try and keep them safe. Executive produced by Olympic ski racing legend and Montana resident Bode Miller and Emmy Award-winning impact sports filmmaker Brett Rapkin (HBO’s “The Weight of Gold”), THE PARADISE PARADOX is a long overdue look at the mental health crisis that has been sweeping America’s mountain towns and the innovative solutions being developed in response. The film is told through the experiences of not only the local heroes who are confronting these challenges but also renowned figures like Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin. From the ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain to the lift operator in Deer Valley, to the young snowboarder trying to improve their community, to affluent residents throughout the region, THE PARADISE PARADOX sheds light on the root causes of the mental health challenges in the snow sports industry and in America’s mountain towns, including isolation, lack of resources, substance abuse, and stigma. Featuring stories from a diverse group of hard-working, inspiring families, individuals, and community members, there is also a focus on creative and scalable solutions local stakeholders, such as Alterra Mountain Company and Vail Health Behavioral Health, are creating in response. This film is designed to reduce stigma and give audiences the opportunity to connect and identify with each character’s struggles and triumphs. Woven throughout will be a focus on hopeful, local solutions that communities can consider and replicate in order to improve mental health outcomes for all. Content Advisory: THE PARADISE PARADOX includes depictions of mental health challenges, substance abuse, and discussions of suicide. These themes may be distressing or upsetting for some viewers. We advise viewer discretion and recommend having a support system in place to discuss and process any emotions or reactions that may arise while watching the film. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, severe negative thoughts, thoughts of suicide, or is in crisis, please seek professional help or reach out to a trusted individual for support. Your health and well-being is important. Thursday, March 14th at 6pm Whitefish Performing Arts Center Panel discussion immediately afterwards. Panelists include: Kacy Howard from NCF, Dr. Doug Muir from Logan Health Behavioral Health, Sarah Gehl from FCCHD, and Nick Polumbus from Whitefish Mountain Resort. FREE and open to the public. Recommended for mature audiences.
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aboutThe Nate Chute Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
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