December 2023

Governor's Mental Health Newsletter

Winter Blues vs. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter has officially come back to Wyoming; with it, are shorter days and reduced exposure to sunlight. During this time, many people may experience the "winter blues," a temporary change in mood during the fall and winter months. Despite certain similarities, winter blues are not the same as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression is directly related to the change in seasons, with a majority of cases being winter-onset SAD and fewer cases being summer-onset SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): More Than the Winter Blues - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)

Suicide Prevention Programs Webinar

December 12th, 2023

Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive, multi-level approach. Often, prevention begins at the community level to address the different aspects of the problem. This webinar will cover the current prevention efforts underway in Wyoming.

Mental Health Town Halls

Photo Credit: Western Wyoming Community College

Governor Gordon has been visiting communities across Wyoming to learn about the status of behavioral health services in local areas. The first town hall meetings were held in Powell and Worland, and the latest town hall meeting was held in Rock Springs.

The meetings have allowed community members to discuss the challenges they are facing as well as where they are thriving. Governor Gordon has heard the need for additional suicide prevention programming in addition to better postvention programming. He has learned about the availability of services in the area and the need for additional services to meet demand.

Governor Gordon will be visiting two more communities this year (details below). Gatherings are open to the public.

Pinedale

Friday, December 15th, 2023

9:30 am - 11:00 am

Sublette County Library, Lovatt Community Room

155 S. Tyler Ave., Pinedale, WY 82941

Gillette

Monday, December 18th, 2023

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Campbell County Fire Department Training Center

701 Larch St., Gillette, WY 82716

Please check the website for additional details and to be updated on times and locations.

Governor’s Mental Health Summit

Educational Series

The Educational Series takes place on a monthly basis. Please join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month during lunchtime to continue to engage in the conversation surrounding our mental health crisis.

If you haven't already, please visit our website to register for upcoming webinars or to watch the previously recorded sessions.

Visit our Website

Would you like to host your own webinar? Fill out the form, here.

If there is a certain topic you'd like to see covered, please email us.

January 2024 Monthly Webinar

Registration is required.

Topic: Mental Wellness

When: January 9th, 2024, 12:00 PM Mountain Time

Description: Mental wellness is critical for one's overall health and well-being. Mental wellness builds resiliency and to effectively cope with the difficulties of life. Join a local expert to learn more about the importance of mental wellness and tips for self-care.

Certificates for

Professional Development available.

Collective Call to Action

We know we cannot address our mental health crisis in Wyoming in a vacuum. None of us can do it alone. The educational webinar series and this recently formed newsletter are attempts to maintain engagement and continue the conversation around mental health in Wyoming. Please share the opportunity to subscribe with your networks. Thank you for your commitment to this work.