SPOKANE, Wash. – Calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are increasing in Washington and Idaho, with Washington receiving nearly 10,000 calls in August. As the mental health crisis grows, local organizations are working to spark solutions.
A local mental health nonprofit hosted an event called Sip and Support to encourage open conversations about mental health. Christi Gerhardt, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of normalizing these discussions.
“Mental health is a very common issue,” Gerhardt said, noting its impact on her family. “How many people I’ve come across that have said ‘I had a mother, I have a cousin, I have a child, I have a best friend. I have a spouse’ and it’s been silent for too long.”
The Inland Northwest and the rest of the country face a mental health crisis. According to the World Population Review, over 30% of adults are diagnosed with a mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness Spokane is actively working to provide support and open up conversations in the community.
Chauntelle Lieske, the executive director of the organization, highlighted the challenges and the importance of their work. “As we know, there’s a mental health crisis in our community. Especially coming out of the pandemic. The numbers are going up,” Lieske stated.
Washington ranks 41st in overall mental well-being, while Idaho is 45th, according to Mental Health America’s 2024 statistics. However, Washington is 15th in accessing mental health care, with Idaho at 23rd.
Lieske agrees with Gerhardt on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. “The shame and stigma is one of the biggest barriers to someone reaching out for support,” Lieske said. “The more that we can openly talk about mental health, the more likely it is that someone who is maybe struggling will reach out to a loved one or a friend and ask for the help that they need.”
For those struggling with mental health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Spokane offers support services at (509) 838-5515. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988.
