Stories + Articles

The Youth Advocacy event is a simple, youth-led open mic or poetry forum—something cozy, low-pressure and honest. We want a space where people can share their stories, anonymously if they prefer, without feeling judged or shut down.

Through laughter, vulnerability, and a healthy dose of ‘wait, what just happened’ moments, they remind us that in the chaos of being human, stories are how we make sense, and how we stay connected.

Holistic emotional first aid is the foundation of navigators’ training. It gives navigators the tools to show up for themselves and others—in ways that are embodied, relational and practical. It’s not about fixing people; it’s about helping them feel seen, heard and supported.

There are moments—quiet and shattering—when we realize the love we were taught isn’t the love we need. For me, that realization unfolded slowly, and in unexpected waves—through loving fully and feeling heartbreak, clinging and letting go, questioning and feeling lost.

Almost every morning, I make a cup of coffee and sit down to write a few pages on a comfy chair in my room. Honestly, most of it is garbage, nonsense and no good at all.

My recovery journey began in February 1998. With my wife’s support, I realized that continuing to drink would mean losing my marriage and relationship with our children.

This year will have a profound awakening for us, gentlemen. Rather than focusing solely on fixing things around the house and at work, while filling materialistic voids for others, we should first discover the true importance of loving ourselves.

I awoke one morning not too long ago, feeling the full weight of fall. I was burnt out, depressed and simply did not want to get out of bed. I found myself placing my hands over my heart space and taking a large inhale, eyes closed, followed by a long exhale…

When I think of what it means to be human, this quote from Viktor E. Frankl resonates: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Drug and alcohol use, suicide, and relationship abuse might not be the first things people think of when they think of Big Sky or Montana, but a group of Big Sky volunteers are working to not only make it okay to talk about these things, but to ask for and to receive help and support.

MTN’s Meghan Elaine sat down with two “wellness navigators” from Be Well Big Sky to talk about the support they provide and all things mental health.

We are not defined by our mental or physical health conditions or individual qualities. Each of us, as a member of the community, can encourage open dialogue, education and inclusivity.

Founder Shannon Steele joins us to discuss the organization and its upcoming October 1st storytelling event, “Over, Under, or Through.”

Storytellers will share their personal journeys of strength amidst life’s challenges. All ages are welcome to attend, but parents are advised to consider the adult language and content that may come with these serious discussions.

And so is that in-between time we call fall, when the leaves are a-blazing. Even though the colors can be magnificent and the hiking trails less congested, it’s important to realize how changing seasons may present additional stress or anxiety to many individuals.

Adulting has been the main theme of my summer so far, and I haven’t been accessing my outlets as much as I’d like. I began to ruminate on a wasted summer, time I’d never get back because I’m getting older, opportunities missed, skills I’d never gain, my weaknesses, the unknowns and what-ifs, and a lot more.

If I’ve learned anything over my years of listening to people’s stories, it’s that you don’t have to look far for suffering.

Consider that most residents of Big Sky did not grow up here. By definition, their family of origin and their trusted network of people are elsewhere, so we must create those relationships here.

As the ski season becomes summer here in Big Sky, there’s a topic that’s sometimes overlooked in our small community: mental health support for our children and young adults.

In today’s dynamic fitness and sports training landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in aiding athletes and health-conscious individuals in their quest for peak performance.

Opportunities for self-comparison and judgment seem to be lurking around every corner for our kids, from social media influencers posting carefully edited scenes about their best life—or so it appears—to the latest news story about another student setting a new athletic record or getting a perfect ACT score.

A solid foundation—it’s something necessary to build upon. To build this foundation, no matter what the foundation is for, you need tools.

We turn the calendar page to a new year. Once again, we see goals, resolutions and promises spike to a new all-time high.

By Jeremy Harder GUEST COLUMNIST
Ski town facts—the hustle, bustle, and diverse social dynamics that often amplify mental health and substance use challenges, have arrived. For most of us, the motion has been set in force. Out-of-town drivers in mental lapses of wonderment of Big Sky poorly navigating 5,000-pound vehicles, frantic food shoppers filing through local markets with unattended carts, blind to people around them or lacking peripheral vision, and the youth running wild after being released from school for 12 and a half days, only to run amuck with visions of powdery ski days in the terrain park and never-ending bags of Nerds Gummy Clusters.

By Andy Nagel EBS COLUMNIST

Age is just a number, and so is your number of days.

In today’s world of rapidly advancing technology, it’s easy to access data tracking our health, finances, energy consumption, and so much more. Much of this data serves as an aid to efficiently navigate our roller coaster of life. For many skiers and snowboarders, there is no greater data than the number of days we ski or ride in a winter season. We wear it like a badge of honor.

By Shannon Steele EBS COLUMNIST
Through life’s highs and lows, the term “brain fog” has become part of our shared language, describing a mix of thinking and emotional difficulties. While I previously associated it with clear external causes and scientific explanations, I have come to realize, both through personal experience and as a witness to others’, that it is a widespread mental state triggered by various stressors.

By Shannon Steele EBS COLUMNIST

A new program in Big Sky connects those struggling with substance abuse with peers who have found a road to recovery. The program is made possible by a partnership between the Big Sky Behavioral Health Coalition and the Rimrock Foundation of Billings, which focuses on addressing a critical need in Big Sky: accessing substance use supports to aid in recovery.

There is one month a year where the LGBTQIA+ community is actively celebrated, along with the progress that’s been made toward acceptance and inclusion, the heroes who got us here, and to also commemorate the lives lost to hateful acts, government indifference and personal despair.

While Big Sky ramps up, it is important to remember that our natural instincts are calling us to slow down and move into a state of “wintering.” Wintering is not about throwing out the to-do lists or cutting back work hours (because sometimes this isn’t possible), but it’s about discovering a sense of calm and rest within yourself.

As much as many of us are far away from where we grew up, we are all products of our environments of origin – physical and emotional circumstances that were mostly out of our control. These so-called social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health.

Behind the picturesque scenery of flowing rivers, rugged mountains, wildflower meadows and a vibrant town are the individuals who make the Big Sky community hum with arts, culture, entertainment and opportunities to connect. Though job postings hold promise for work/life balance and finding solace in the mountains, unfortunately many people quickly realize the inherent challenges of resort-town living.

Safety is a fundamental requirement for being our best, authentic selves and impacts our ability to genuinely connect with others. By safety, I don’t just mean free from physical harm or danger, but our sense of safety that is rooted in our nervous systems. Our nervous system responds the same to life-threatening situations and stressful, difficult situations. Biologically, we do not distinguish between the two. Just because we are safe optically, does not mean we feel safe physically, psychologically, emotionally or socially.

Pride Month is a celebration throughout the month of June of the LBGTQAI+ community, the progress that’s been made toward acceptance and inclusion, the heroes who got us here and a renewal of commitment toward a more supportive, open and loving future. It’s also a time to honor lives lost to hateful acts, government indifference and personal despair.

COVID-19 impacts starting with isolation, loss and anxiety coupled with Big Sky’s rapid growth and tourist surges have created unique challenges for our young people to form the sense of community and connections they crave. As the effects of the pandemic continue to play out in Big Sky, our youth are raising their voices and providing an opportunity for community reflection and response.

Though the consequences of facing mental health challenges may seem less extreme now, stigma still exists and takes many shapes and forms in society today. Institutionally, socially, culturally, and internally, people view mental health challenges as being unusual or tainted, even though mental health challenges are simply a part of the human experience.

According to a recent Community Health Assessment conducted by Gallatin County and other partners, excessive drinking in Big Sky increased from 27.3 percent in 2017 to 33.9 percent in 2020—much higher rates than in Montana and the U.S. In Big Sky, 48.5 percent of people report their life has been negatively affected by their own or someone else’s substance abuse. COVID-19 has made things worse.

Seasonal depression affects approximately 10 million Americans. It is estimated that another 10-20 percent are mildly affected or unreported. The average age of onset is between 20 and 30 years old and prevalence appears to be related to areas that are at higher elevations.

The holidays often bring up a slew of emotions, especially for those used to grinding through what is likely the most hectic time of year. Let’s just say the only thing you may be looking forward to this holiday season is Jan. 1.

Given the unique nature of resort towns and the Mountain West, the impact may be heightened and is largely unknown due to the community’s transient nature. The good news is that our community is mobilizing support.