OLYMPIA, Wash.-September is National Suicide Prevention Month and the Washington Health Care Authority is encouraging everyone to raise awareness and share messages of hope.
A new committee created to develop long-term strategies to ensure access to behavioral health care for Washington families in the perinatal stage, children, and youths discussed some focus areas during its first meeting on Monday.
Washington health officials aim to provide a local option for Snohomish County residents who are deemed to be in need of involuntary psychiatric treatment with the construction of a new facility in Stanwood.
No one has been untouched by the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intense emotions including anxiety, anger, fear, frustration, grief, loneliness and sadness have become common since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Skagit County in March.Â
Mental health experts say those feelings were inevitable. Emotions are absolutely normal and expected during this time, Keri Waterland, director of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery that operates under the state s Healthcare Authority, told the Skagit Valley Herald. Whatever you are feeling right now is OK, and there is nothing wrong with you.
According to weekly U.S. Census Bureau data, the number of adults in the state reporting feelings of depression and anxiety is on the rise. Dreary weather and holiday stress only compound the challenges.Â