SEEKING SOLACE
Montana’s mental health crisis
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Editor’s Note
T
his issue of Byline, a magazine produced by students at the University of Montana School of Journalism, explores these issues and more across the state of Montana in The Mental Health Issue.
Be aware that many of the stories in this magazine contain potentially triggering material, such as references to suicide, trauma, transphobia and abuse.
Everyone can be affected by mental health challenges, and no one should ever feel reluctant to reach out for help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call or text 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, or reach out to local resources for help.
McKenna Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
Print Version
‘IT JUST HAPPENS HERE’
In a perfect storm of risk factors, Montanans grapple with barriers to mental health care
Story by Christine Compton. Photos by Ava Rosvold.
THE OTHER END OF THE LINE
Crisis line workers meet struggle with empathy
Story by Allie Wagner. Photos by Ava Rosvold.
‘THE MOST ELOQUENT PRAYER’
How the Chippewa Cree are fighting a suicide crisis on Rocky Boy’s Reservation
Story by Meghan Elaine. Photos by Ava Rosvold.
THEIR OWN REMEDY
Veterans navigate a lack of mental health resources
Story and photo by Maura Lynch.
EMBRACING FOREST BATHING
Through meditation, guidance and science, locals are centering nature in their healing
Story and photos by Kennedy Delap.
TRIPPING FOR TREATMENT
At the fringes of care options, some Montanans find hope through psychedelics
Story by Emily Tschetter. Photos by Brooklyn Grubbs.
THE MONTANA STATE HOSPITAL
A brief history highlighting the hospital’s important events from 1874 to the present day
Story by Trey Lawrence. Print graphic by Jake LaHaie. Photo by Fox Croasmunchristensen.
LIVING THE PARADISE PARADOX
The resort town of Whitefish seems perfect, yet its citizens still suffer
Story by Ella Hall. Photos by Jake LaHaie.
A LIGHT IN THE DARK
A Montana transgender teenagers’ journey for gender affirmation
Story by Nance Beston and Aislin Tweedy. Photos by Nance Beston.
WORRY OVER CLIMATE
Defining mental health impacts from eco-distressers
Story by Mackenna Gleave. Photo by Kennedy Delap.
