Thurston County ramps up mental health efforts 

Thurston County is intensifying its commitment to mental health support, as Mental Wellness Month in January aligns with a recognition of loneliness as a public health crisis in December.

Drawing from recent data, the county is implementing programs to foster social connections and promote community well-being. 

“With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us, January is a great time to reset and boost your mental well-being,” Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS) wrote in a social media post on Wednesday, Jan. 1. 

The "Social Connectedness & Prevention of Isolation" initiative, introduced after the Thurston County Board of Health’s (BOH) Dec. 10 declaration, aligns with this focus. 

Addressing the isolation crisis 

The BOH Resolution No. H-3-2024 directed TCPHSS to lead efforts in combating the loneliness epidemic through public campaigns, resource evaluations and strategies to foster social bonds. 

Recent data highlight the urgency of addressing these issues: 

• Youth isolation -  The 2023 Healthy Youth Survey revealed that 34% of sixth graders in the county reported being bullied at school, while 14% of eighth graders said they felt unsafe during school hours. The figures reveal how safety, isolation and mental health are interconnected. 

• Adult isolation -  In the county, 13.3% of adults felt isolated, compared with 9.8% statewide, and with higher rates among young adults. Additionally, 9.1% rarely or never received social and emotional support, slightly below the 10.4% statewide, with men disproportionately affected, according to the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 

Vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, single parents and marginalized groups, are most at risk, urging the need for targeted intervention. 

Tackling the youth mental health crisis 

Only 59% of Thurston County eighth graders joined after-school activities, which is below the state average of 62%.

Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among Washington teens ages 15-19, the TCPHSS reported. 

In response, the county has strengthened its support networks, offering: 

• HearMeWA: Free, 24/7 confidential text support by texting 738477. 

• Teen Health Hub:  A resource for quality mental health education. 

• Seize the Awkward: Guidance on starting mental health conversations. 

Despite these efforts, participation in after-school activities, proven as protective factors against mental health challenges, lags behind statewide averages. 

The data from the 2023 survey reveals that only 59% of eighth graders in the county participate in such programs, compared with 62% statewide. The findings indicate a gap in opportunities for engagement. 

Inclusive resources for all communities 

The county has also rolled out programs tailored to diverse populations to build a more inclusive approach to mental health: 

• LGBTQIA+ support: Resources, such as The Trevor Project,  and local programs, such as like Pizza Klatch, provide safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youths. 

• Black mental health: Culturally competent care is available through initiatives, such as Therapy for Black Girls and Therapy for Black Men. 

• American Indian and Alaska Native communities: Services rooted in cultural traditions are available through organizations, such as the Chehalis Tribe Behavioral Health. 

For immediate support, TCPHSS promotes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and resources, such as the Create a Safety Plan tool. 

While data from 2024 is not yet available, TCPHSS continues to use its findings to guide its strategies for improving mental health and fostering stronger community connections. 

To explore additional mental health resources and suicide prevention strategies, visit the TCPHSS website.