Today, I invite you to join me on a journey. The map I was given at birth was filled with detours, unexpected stops, fast-paced highways, and scenic routes, accompanied by plenty of bumps and flat tires. Through adaptation and countless obstacles, I navigated a less-traveled road—a highway leading to self-awareness and recovery. I want to pause a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you here today reading this. I know you have faced your own battles, and your presence signifies that you’ve found hope after being hurt and discovered the courage to keep showing up for yourselves. Thank you for allowing me the space to be vulnerable and share my story.

How do we define recovery for mental health? Recovery is generally a well understood concept when it relates to physical illnesses or injuries or substance use. The timeline for recovery is definable as the date that an illness was diagnosed, an injury occurred, or a person stops  using substances (or reduces use in harm reduction). Some recovery programs, such as 12-step, acknowledge that time with a physical item given at specific intervals (30 days, 60 days, 1 year, etc.). Mental health recovery is a bit more nebulous.

In a world that often feels divided by differences, it’s easy to forget the simple yet profound truth that binds us all: our shared humanity. Each day, we encounter many stories, experiences, and perspectives, all reflecting the richness of human existence. Amidst this diversity, one universal thread has the power to weave us together, kindness and empathy toward others who may appear different from ourselves.

About a month ago the US Supreme Court ruled communities can cite and fine homeless individuals for sleeping outside. This ruling empowers city and county commissioners in Montana to implement a ban on sleeping outside such as in a tent, in a park or on the street. The ruling was 6-3 so it was not unanimous. This ruling overturns the 9th Circuit Court which rules over the following states, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. All these states all have high housing prices, a lack of services and tend to lean towards anti homelessness. In Montana we have seen a number of communities such as Kalispell and Lewistown become very vocal when nonprofits have attempted to implement services or temporary shelters for homeless individuals, with a, “Not in my town!” attitude. This of course begs the question. If not in your town, then where? Where exactly should individuals go if they cannot afford housing? This is a complex issue for sure. It seems to me that our leaders lack insight into that complexity. We can’t just move people down the road. The road only leads to another town. Where is issue starts all over again.

Social wellness is defined as the ability to interact with others, build satisfying relationships, and maintain a strong support network. It encompasses various aspects, including effective communication, empathy, respect, and the capacity to create and sustain meaningful connections. Social wellness contributes to a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment, which are essential for mental and emotional health.

Community and peer support are important components of recovery for LGBTQ+ individuals dealing with mental health issues. They provide a lifeline of understanding, acceptance, and encouragement and help mitigate the adverse effects of discrimination, family issues, and internalized stigma while fostering resilience and promoting well-being. Several organizations, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), PFLAG, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign, emphasize the importance of such support systems in improving the mental health outcomes of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Recovery Jeans are a great way to express your passion about recovery. Where what you believe in and experience the freedom of your truth being displayed. This project is so much fun because you get to wear your art.

Mental health is not an isolated island; it’s a vast archipelago where emotional, physical, and spiritual realms intersect. Holistic approaches recognize this interconnectedness, emphasizing a comprehensive view of well-being. Let’s embark on a journey through holistic practices that nurture the whole person.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. Once upon a time that meant something. May is now arthritis, walking, women’s health care month, better sleep month, Asian Pacific Islander, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and brain tumor awareness month. Those are all important issues to recognize. But mental health awareness month was started in 1949 by Clifford Beers of Mental Health America. MHA is the country’s oldest mental health advocacy organization. Clifford Beers (March 30, 1876 – July 9, 1943) was the founder of the American mental hygiene movement. (Wikipedia.com) He was a peer. He was the original peer supporter and advocate in the recovery movement. Clifford Beers was a ground breaker. Laying the foundation for organizations like Montana’s Peer Network.