Governor Mark Gordon and Psychologist-Suicidologist Kent A. Corso have released an episode of the podcast, “One Minute Can Save a Life”, aimed at reducing Wyoming’s decades-long high suicide rate and shedding light on improved mental health practices. The podcast was recorded during a joint visit at the University of Wyoming where both participated in a mental health forum for students, faculty, staff, and community members. The holiday season podcast release date is intentional.

“While many enjoy a season filled with feelings of joy and anticipation, the season can be a time of loneliness and suffering for others,” Dr. Corso said.

Hallmark to his Wy We Care Mental Health Initiative, (WWCMH) Governor Gordon continues to advocate for a cultural shift from extreme self-reliance to a personal and community mindset that it is okay to not be okay and to seek help. Both agreed cultural change is difficult, though imperative to moving forward with improved mental health.

During the podcast, the Governor opened up to Dr. Corso regarding a time in his life when he recognized his need to reach out for emotional support. The Governor’s first wife Sally was struck and killed by a vehicle in 1993.

“When my first wife was hit on the way to town early one morning, my kids were four and two [years old]. The devastation was incredible to me …  and I reached out immediately because I didn’t want my kids to have the trauma I was worried about,” Governor Gordon said.

The Governor and Dr. Corso concurred that while professional help is valuable, it is equally important to pursue support from family and close friends during times of hardship.

“Just knowing that someone was willing to listen - and understanding how much they cared - was super important to me,” Governor Gordon said.

Dr. Corso, along with the Governor and members of his administration, have visited communities statewide to listen to local leaders, community members, and caregivers. The WWCMH Initiative involves leaders from the three branches of Wyoming state government, professional and volunteer caregivers, and groups dedicated to helping Wyomingites live their best lives while thwarting myths and stigma associated with conversations regarding suicide ideation and mental challenge.

“Sometimes it takes far more strength to say, ‘I need some help.’ I remember reflecting on Sally’s death just saying, ‘I have to be strong for my kids. I can’t let them down. I have to be strong, fierce.’” Governor Gordon said. “And I remember thinking, ‘I need to take care of myself and I am going to reach out.’”

The Governor emphasized the importance of parents and community leaders setting an example for children as Dr. Corso discussed the statistical traditional shift from adult male suicide deaths to increasingly higher children and teens suicide rates. A key premise: suicide is not always a mental health issue, it can be a social issue.

“Feeling suicidal is a sign of being overwhelmed, and it is more common than we think,” Dr. Corso said.

“It’s hard to know what’s in a person’s life and we really need to be reaching out, especially this time of year. Thinking about ways to be a little less harried and be a bit more tuned in to those around us and approach others with kindness and connectivity,” said Governor Gordon.

The Governor explained Wyoming listeners who feel overwhelmed  can call or text 988 for immediate help to be connected with an understanding Wyoming caregiver.

“I empower all of you to invest in this new culture that normalizes the conversation of seeking assistance when needed and educating yourself on programs and [through] trainings offered in our state so that we can continue the Wyoming spirit of caring for our neighbors,” Governor Gordon said.