State of Mind - Season 2 - WY PBS
This Wyoming PBS docuseries focuses on the mental health struggles of people living in rural Wyoming.
“The Mountain West is in the grips of a full blown mental health crisis, and Wyoming is ground zero. This documentary series traces patient journeys, weaving together expert interviews with man on the street commentary to examine solutions to Wyoming's mental health crisis.”
What is it like to be a single mother in Wyoming struggling with depression and drug addiction? Many single mothers are experiencing a mental health crisis. Some moms don’t like to ask for help, but alcohol or drugs seem like a solution.
U.S. counties above 4,000 feet have twice the suicides as counties at 2,000 feet. Why is the mountain west dubbed “The Suicide Belt?” Depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction are all worse at higher elevations. Is it because of less oxygen in the air? Recent studies at University of Wyoming (Dr. Carolyn Pepper and her ‘Stress and Mood Lab’) and Dr. Brent Kious, a psychiatrist and assistant professor with the University of Utah are among a group of researchers who think that the lack of oxygen at altitude is contributing to the crisis. Their work is shedding light on why mountain states have higher rates of depression. We’ll look at scientific research into why Wyoming has the highest suicide rate in the USA, featuring interviews with the leading scientists studying this phenomena.
Taking care of a loved one with dementia is a huge responsibility that can lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. With the caregiver population growing, how can we be sure their mental health is not overlooked?
With 70 percent of people behind bars having a diagnosed mental illness, jails and prisons are experiencing a mental health crisis. But innovative work is being done in the state of Wyoming to address this epidemic.
Wyoming’s coal miners risk their lives to provide much of the energy for the United States. Depression and suicidal thoughts plague them, partly due to anxiety about losing their way of life. But in the mining town of Gillette, a coal mine, its workers, and a group of therapists find creative ways to bring more mental health resources to the region.
Country singer Luke Bell was celebrated by critics for his raw authenticity. However, he faced intense personal battles, struggling with bipolar disorder and other mental health challenges. In the wake of Luke's loss, his family devoted themselves to raising awareness about mental health, determined to honor his legacy by advocating for those facing similar struggles.