Navigating Job Insecurity, Loss, and Mental Wellness

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:

• Reach Out to Your Support System: Talking with friends, family, or colleagues can provide comfort and reassurance. Community connections can be a source of strength and encouragement.
• Engage in Meaningful Activities: Volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing hobbies can bring fulfillment and keep you engaged with others.
• Maintain a Daily Routine: Keeping a structured day can provide stability and a sense of purpose, even during times of change.
• Stay Active Outdoors: Northwest Montana offers incredible opportunities to enjoy nature—take a walk, go for a hike, or simply spend time outside to refresh your mind and body.
• Explore New Opportunities: This may be a time to consider new career paths, develop new skills, or seek further education. Local job services and training programs are available to support your next steps.

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:

• Offer Encouragement: A kind word, a phone call, or an offer to meet up can remind someone that they are not alone.
• Provide Practical Help: Assisting with job searches, sharing employment opportunities, or helping with household tasks can be meaningful gestures.
• Encourage Professional Support: If someone seems overwhelmed, encourage them to connect with mental health professionals or career counselors.
• Be a Connector: If you know of job openings, networking opportunities, or community programs, sharing that information can be invaluable.
• Show Patience and Understanding: Adjusting to change takes time. Sometimes, simply being there to listen is the best support you can offer.

​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.

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​Resources

Community Resources and Assistance: Montana211.org

Food Banks

• North Valley Food Bank
• Flathead Food Bank
• Westshore Food Bank
• Bigfork Food Bank
• Columbia Falls Food Bank

Employment Assistance

• Montana Dept of Labor and Industry: Workforce Services Division or Montana Works
  • This local branch of Montana's statewide employment assistance network offers resources for job seekers, including resume assistance, job search support, and connections to training programs. They can also provide guidance on coping with job loss and transitioning to new employment opportunities. Contact them at 406-758-6200 or visit their office at 427 1st Avenue East, Kalispell.
• Workforce Flathead: WorkForce Flathead brings together education and workforce development partners from across the region to help solve some of the most important challenges our community faces – access to a strong and talented workforce. We believe everyone in Montana should have the right skills to fill the jobs of today and have the ability to adapt to the jobs of tomorrow.
• City of Kalispell 
• LC Staffing
• Express Employment Professionals
• Flathead Valley Community College: FVCC provides career counseling for individuals exploring new career paths. To schedule an appointment, call 406-756-3880 or visit their campus at 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell.

Housing Assistance

• Community Action Partnership of NW MT
• Whitefish Housing Authority
• Montana Commerce

Local Support

• 988 Lifeline: Whether you are facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. Call or text 988, 24.7. Free and confidential.
• Montana Warm Line: This free, confidential phone service provides support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges, including those related to job insecurity and loss. Trained peer supporters are available to listen and offer support. Call 877-688-3377 to connect. You can also text "MT" to 741-741 for text assistance. 
• NAMI Flathead: Offers mental health support groups and resources.

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.