In small towns like ours, people know how to take care of each other. We wave from tractors, lend tools when someone’s in a pinch, and show up with casseroles when hard times hit. That same sense of community is one of our greatest strengths and it’s why mental health is something we need to talk about right here, right now.

Mental Health Isn’t Just a Big City Issue

Sometimes, it can feel like mental health conversations belong in urban clinics or on big-city news. But the truth is, anxiety, depression, stress, and grief don’t check your zip code. They show up in farmhouses, mechanic shops, school hallways, and church pews. And just like any other part of our health, mental well-being deserves our attention, even in small town Malad!

The Power of Early
Conversations

When we start talking about mental health openly, we create space for people to be honest about what they’re going through. A neighbor might feel more comfortable opening up about the weight of caring for an aging parent. A teen might feel less alone when facing anxiety about school or the future. A hardworking farmer might finally realize that exhaustion and irritability aren’t just “part of the job”...they could be signs of burnout or depression.

These conversations don’t have to be complicated or clinical. They can start with a simple, “How are you really doing?” or “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a little off lately, everything okay?”

Breaking Stigma Starts With Us

In our tight-knit community, people often worry about judgment or gossip, but the more we normalize mental health, just like we would a sore back or high blood pressure, the less scary it becomes to speak up. When we treat mental health care as a sign of strength, not weakness, we send the message: “It’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to get help.”

Local Resources, Local Care

That help doesn’t have to come from far away. Right here in our area, there are counselors, doctors, and faith leaders ready to listen and help. Our counseling team at Valley View Counseling is proud to serve the people of this community, not just as professionals, but as neighbors who understand the rhythm of rural life and the importance of trust. 

Valley View Counseling has two counselors on staff - Nicole Daniels and Tyler Cook. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, and families with a variety of presenting issues. We can be reached at (208) 609-3010 or via email at 
[email protected]

Let’s Keep Talking

This article is the first in a 9-month series aimed at starting a conversation about mental health, one that feels grounded in the values, relationships, and resilience of our small town. Each month, we’ll share tips and insights to support mental wellness for individuals, families, and our community as a whole.

At the end of the day, mental health isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a community one. And in a town like ours, community is everything.

Nicole Daniels is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor