4 Tips to Check on Your State of Mind While Visiting the Cowboy State

The Teton County Health Department’s mental health platform CredibleMind is a great resource when you are looking for some extra tips on how to manage your mental health away from home. You’ll find apps, articles, and mental health insights. And, if your state of mind turns into an emergency situation, there are crisis resources for you and your loved ones as well.

1) Set reasonable expectations

While you might want to fill every vacation minute with hiking, floating, boating, fishing, shopping, and wildlife sightseeing, the pressure to “fit it all in” can become stressful. If you find yourself overwhelmed, readjust. Remind yourself why you came to vacation in beautiful Jackson Hole and use that mentality to ground your time. Make a list of the priorities of activities you want to participate in and build in time to relax and kick back for a much needed recharge.

2) Communication is key

Whether it’s work colleagues asking you to complete deliverables during your time off or managing multiple family members’ needs, work to communicate your needs and expectations for your own self care. Establish clear boundaries with coworkers that ensure you will be able to actually unplug from your work technology. Communicate with family and friends how you are feeling and what would help make your time away from home more joyful.

3) Set down the cocktail

Vacation can be a time of celebration–which often leads to increased cocktails, happy hours, and campfire drinks. If you find yourself struggling, check in on your substance consumption. The JH 0013 Sip Tips outlines healthy habits for those that choose to drink…

0- Zero drinks if you are under the age of 21,

0- Zero drink while driving,

1- One drink per hour with water in between

3- If you choose to drink, no more than three drinks

4) Know WHEN and WHERE to seek help

How do you know if your vacation struggles are becoming serious mental health symptoms? Taking a Credible Mind assessment is a great place to start. And, notice if you or a loved one are 1) experiencing significant emotional distress, 2) having a hard time doing daily life functions, 3) struggling to control your/their emotions, or 4) having thoughts of suicide or self harm. Seek help for you or your loved one before returning home. Below are a variety of mental health crisis resources:

Bonus Resources

Mental Health and Recovery Services of Jackson Hole (MHRSJH)
Mental Health and Recovery Services is Jackson’s local community counseling center that meets a variety of mental health needs and offers a sliding pay scale. Same-day appointments are available and if you or someone you know is in a crisis, there are people to help. Call (307) 733- 2046 to access the MHRSJH crisis line or schedule an appointment and meet with a trained therapist. If there is an emergency DIAL 911.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
This helpline offers 24/7/365 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress or those who are supporting someone in distress. That could be: Thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or other reasons. Call, Text, or Chat 988.

National Helpline for Substance Use (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Vacation should support your wellbeing- not comprise your mental health needs. We are so grateful to have you visiting us in the great Cowboy State, but don’t forget to take care of your own state of mind! For more information on local health resources, visit https://www.tetoncountywy.gov/2371/Health-Department.