• mantherapy.org is a free site that can help

For many reasons, self harm and suicide in Wyoming are regularly at or near the top of the statistics every year. The Lincoln County Prevention ATODS (Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs and Suicide) Coalition is an entity that has resources to help. Their current campaign is working to reduce the stigma of mental health for men who may be some of the residents most in need of aid.

“Our coalition is funded through state and federal grants and and we concentrate on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and also focus services on suicide and mental health awareness,” stated Brittany Ritter, Director of the organization. “Right now we are trying to concentrate on mental health awareness for our male population. Middle age men from 35-55 years of age is some of our highest suicide rates in Wyoming.”

RELATED: RADIO INTERVIEW WITH BRITTANY RITTER DIRECTOR OF LINCOLN COUNTY PREVENTION COALIZTION ATODS –

Ritter noted that up to 80-percent of people struggle with depression at some point in their lives and out in the west, the lifestyle can make it even more difficult to reach out.

“In Wyoming we are very independent and strong and sometimes have a tough time asking for help,” she continued. “Unfortunately we struggle at times. [The website] ManTherapy.org is a venue that we use because it is specific for men and uses male lingo and communicates with them in a way they understand and resonate with them. It feels more natural for the male population to use this resource.”

The site has advice and resources for issues like substance abuse, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, stress and even firearm safety.

At What Point Do I Need Help?

Soldiering on and pushing past obstacles are things that are ingrained for men to do. So when do we look for help?

“It’s different for everybody,” Ritter emphasized. “If you have tried to cope with things on your own and you’re just not getting anywhere, it’s time to get some help. That doesn’t necessarily mean a counselor or a doctor, but even utilizing the resources we have; there are tips for coping with anxiety, how to be more effective at the work place, how to store your firearms. If you’ve been struggling for a few weeks, maybe it’s time to take that next step and use this site and get started. And if you do feel you need to get more help we can help provide those resources to get the help that you need.”

ManTherapy.org  is an online platform but also has other resources available.

“You can navigate through the website but there are a lot of different topics and a lot of things you can click on to get advice on how to cope with them,” Ritter explained. “There are resources for direct crisis. And if you have a guy in your life who you are worried about, there’s an option to help someone else.”

There is no cost for the website services and many of the resources available through the ATODS group, and Ritter emphasized that if men do get into a situation where there is a cost, that they still may be able to help.

“If you are needing something that requires an out of pocket fee, please reach out and let us see if we have some ways to help out.”