Behavioral health (also commonly referred to as mental health), is an individual’s mental and emotional well-being and actions that affect their overall well-being. When talking about behavioral health concerns and issues, the topics of mental distress, substance use disorder (addiction), and suicidal thoughts and behaviors commonly come up.
Symptoms of emotional and behavioral health distress can include:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little.
- Anger, feeling edgy or lashing out at others.
- Overwhelming sadness.
- Pulling away from people and things.
- Not connecting with others.
- Lack of energy or always feeling tired.
- Feeling like you have to keep busy.
- Having unexplained aches and pains, such as constant stomach-aches or headaches.
- Feeling helpless or hopeless.
- Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications.
- Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why.
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else.
- Having difficulty re-adjusting to home or work life.
Behavioral health issues can be very hard to experience. Oftentimes, people may try to ignore them to make them go away, or they may get so bad that it can be very difficult to get help. However, it’s important to remember that behavioral health issues are much more common than you might think, and that you or your loved one is not alone. According to the 2023 Colorado Health Access Survey, more than one in four people reported poor mental health.
It’s also important to remember that help is available! And it is completely normal to reach out, even if you may feel vulnerable. Asking for help does not mean there is anything wrong with you or your loved one. In fact, it shows strength that you are prioritizing health so you and your loved ones can live your best possible lives. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a step toward healing. And it’s ok not to be ok.
There is a whole team at the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Office who deals with these issues all day, every day. The team includes counselors, peer recovery coaches, a physician who treats addiction with medication, a psychiatrist, a prevention specialist, and a care coordinator. Care is available in-person, by telemedicine, and over the telephone.
You can call them at (970-563-5700 to make an appointment to talk through resources and options. They offer support for many different issues, including family stress, general stress, mental health problems, and substance use. A crisis can feel different for everyone, so do not be afraid to reach out.
The Behavioral Health team are professionals who are trustworthy, who maintain patient privacy, and who have a lot of experience guiding people through behavioral health issues. The team has had comprehensive training and approaches every situation with empathy and without judgment. They are there to provide compassionate support, no matter the situation. Every contact will be treated as confidential, and everything shared stays between the patient and the provider unless there is a concern about hurting yourself or others.
Your mental and behavioral health and the mental and behavioral health of your loved ones are as important, if not more important, as your physical health. As the saying goes, “there is no health without mental health.” Everyone deserves to have full care for their mental well-being so they can live a full and healthy life.
Learn more about addiction treatment options and resources at LTLSouthernUte.org, or call the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Office at 970-563-5700 to make an appointment and talk about treatment options. You can also learn how individuals in your community found recovery.
If you have an immediate mental health, emotional or substance use concern, the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or live chat at 988Colorado.com.