JACKSON, Wyo. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Teton County Health Department (TCHD) is kicking off its Mental Health in the Wild speaker series.

Members of the community are invited to attend any of the three sessions hosted by TCHD at the Black Diamond store at 160 West Pearl Avenue. Mental Health in the Wild is a collaborative summer speaker series designed to tackle the unique mental health challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts. Doors will open for each gathering at 5:30 p.m. for light refreshments, and the panels will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The free sessions are open to the public and will offer an opportunity to engage with advocates, recreationists and local experts. Each evening will include a panel discussion regarding the intersection of wellness and the outdoors, with a specific topic selected for each event.

This past winter saw numerous tragedies in the mountains. Local mental health organizations have been working to make resources available for those experiencing grief and trauma.

Click here to learn more. See the summer schedule below:

A conversation on grief – Wednesday, May 20: A panel discussion for those impacted by loss or trauma in the mountains.

Taking up space – Thursday, June 18: A deep dive into body image, disordered eating, and reclaiming relationships with fuel and movement in the outdoors.

The art of pause – Tuesday, Sept. 22: Explore the necessity of rest, the challenges of recover, and learning to slow down in a culture that values constant movement.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.