Why Mike Smith Thinks It’s Important to Review Work 2 Be Well by Providence Health

I've lived in Missoula for two years now and have seen just how incredible and supportive this town can be. I'm a huge advocate for the arts, nonprofits and mental health awareness. I want everyone to seek the help they need for any reason, and to be aware that help is there in the first place.

So, that's why I think you should check out Work 2 Be Well by Providence Health. They have so many mental health resources, including important reminders about groups that tend to experience untreated mental health concerns. Here are some examples directly from Work 2 Be Well:

• Social media addiction is a rapidly growing mental health issue that affects about half of teens and adults.
• Sometimes we think of post-traumatic stress disorder as something that only affects veterans, but about 10 percent of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
• Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction (alcohol, opioids, cocaine, or other substances), yet only 10 percent receive treatment. Ignoring the problem can harm not only the person with the addiction, but their family, friends and coworkers as well.
• Depression and anxiety might be hard to spot, as everyone feels down from time to time, but so many are facing extra stressors related to the economy and the pandemic. Persistent feelings of hopelessness and despair can affect your daily habits and thought patterns.

In a year where everything seems to be as anxiety-inducing as possible, I want people to know there are others who feel the same way. It's important to have a support system that has your back, no matter what.To learn how you can #work2bewell visit work2bewell.org/wellnessresources.