JACKSON, Wyo. — In the wake of recent community member deaths, the Teton Behavioral Health Alliance (TBHA) has shared mental health resources for those experiencing grief.
“Our community is grieving following the recent deaths of individuals who were recreating in the mountains,” TBHA stated in a Wednesday announcement. “These losses have deeply affected friends, families, loved ones, and many across Teton County who feel a strong connection to the outdoors and to one another. Grief can show up in many ways — shock, sadness, anger, numbness, confusion or even guilt — and there is no ‘right’ way to respond. Whether you knew the individuals personally or are feeling the cumulative weight of recent events, support is available. No one has to navigate this alone.”
TBHA advises the following for those experiencing the pain of these losses:
- Stay connected. Talk with trusted friends, family members or peers.
- Maintain basic routines when possible, including sleep, meals and time outdoors in ways that feel safe.
- Limit exposure to distressing news or social media if it becomes overwhelming.
- Seek professional support if feelings feel unmanageable, persistent or begin to interfere with daily life.
Those who are seeking support can check out the following resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: provides free, confidential support for people in distress and those supporting them. Call or text 988 for 24/7 support. https://988lifeline.org/
- Mental Health and Recovery Services of Jackson Hole provides compassionate, and affordable mental health and substance use services including a crisis line, walk in services, schedule appointments. https://www.mentalhealthandrecoveryjh.org/
- TIPS, Teton Interagency Peer Support, (for first responders and their families) provides education, confidential peer support, and a direct link to mental health professionals for first responders and their families in the Teton County, Wyoming, community. https://tetontips.org/
- SOAR, Survivors of Outdoor Adventures and Recovery, supports survivors and communities in healing after outdoor accidents. https://www.soar4life.org/
- Climbing Grief Fund provides support to climbers and other mountain recreationists experiencing grief. https://americanalpineclub.org/grieffund
- Avalanche Resilience Project (for avalanche professionals and American Avalanche Association members only) provides support and resources for those impacted by mental health challenges associated with avalanches, avalanche work, or avalanche accidents. https://www.americanavalancheassociation.org/resilience-project
- The Redside Foundation (for guides only) supports the health and strength of the professional outdoor guiding community. https://www.redsidefoundation.org/
“Teton County is a place defined by strong connections — to the land and to each other,” TBHA stated. “In times of loss, leaning into those connections matters. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and support is available for anyone who needs it. If you are struggling, reach out — help is available, and you are not alone.”
Marianne is the Editor of Buckrail. She handles breaking news and reports on a little bit of everything. She’s interested in the diversity of our community, arts/entertainment and crazy weather.