WELLNESS WIRE
Progress & Updates from the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health
Let’s Be Clear: Get the Facts on Substance Misuse
Change starts with clarity. As the landscape surrounding substance misuse in South Dakota has evolved, so have our efforts to prevent it. The South Dakota Department of Social Services, in collaboration with the Department of Health, has launched Let’s Be Clear: a campaign focused on raising awareness about substance misuse prevention methods, treatment options and recovery resources.
Let’s Be Clear also focuses on sharing accurate information to dispel misconceptions and eliminate stigma. By promoting a better understanding of substance use disorder, we can foster a greater compassion and understanding, promote effective support and ensure South Dakotans receive the help they need. For more information, visit LetsBeClearSD.com
Recap: South Dakota Suicide Prevention Conference
Looking back on the state’s five-year plan as suicide rates drop for the second consecutive year
Sioux Falls — Suicide prevention work in South Dakota is making a difference.
At the third annual South Dakota Suicide Prevention conference this August, Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt shared that overall deaths from suicide in the state have been declining: from 202 in 2021 to 192 in 2022 and 180 in 2023. These results can be attributed to SD Behavioral Health’s holistic approach to combating the issue — from efforts to eliminate stigma around mental health issues to raising awareness about resources that can help individuals manage them.
Magstadt also highlighted other signs of success: Lawmakers provided $2 million in 2023 for suicide prevention work in schools, and the state’s gun lock program has distributed 3,500 locks since last July, pointing toward a remarkable improvement in means safety awareness.
Despite this downward trend, there are still concerning statistics for our state. South Dakota has the eighth-highest suicide rate in the country, and the suicide rate among Native
Americans is 2.7 times higher than average for all South Dakotans. Farmers, ranchers, older adults, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, college students, high-trauma professionals and veterans also face unique challenges that place them at higher risk for suicide, and state departments are continuously developing toolkits and campaigns tailored specifically for these populations.
Governor Kristi Noem made a surprise appearance as a guest speaker at this year’s conference, sharing her personal experience as a survivor of suicide loss.
“I remember thinking if somebody would just tell me what I should have done, or what I can do the next time, I would feel so much better,” she said. “That’s how this conference got started. By people coming to me, sharing our personal stories… People need to know a plan, or something to say, or a tool in their toolbox that they could use.”
One of our most effective tools is the 988 Lifeline. Since its inception two years ago, South Dakota’s crisis line has received about 26,000 calls and texts, both from people experiencing immediate crisis and individuals seeking advice for their loved ones.
The importance of this free, confidential, 24/7 resource cannot be overstated. During a suicide crisis, thoughts can be irrational and solutions can be tough to see. When someone calls, texts or chats 988, they’re connected with professionals who are specifically trained to handle these situations and provide hope during the darkest time in people’s lives. Effective suicide prevention takes commitment from the whole community. Let’s all do our part to eliminate stigmas, foster open and honest conversations about mental health, and encourage our loved ones to seek care if they need it. If you’re interested in taking on a larger role in South Dakota’s effort to end suicide, join us at next year’s Behavioral Health Conference, August 4–5, 2025 in Sioux Falls.
Supporting Students’ Resilience
A new resource provides South Dakota students with strategies for overcoming challenges
The South Dakota Department of Education has introduced “South Dakota Sturdy,” a free resource available to elementary and middle school counselors and teachers for use in the classroom setting.
The ten lessons are centered on famous South Dakota figures, animals and landmarks that each represent a value or lesson for students to carry as they continue their academic careers. For example, students learn from Teddy Roosevelt’s perseverance, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s grit and the American bison’s strength in the face of adversity.
The program aims to address and reverse a trend toward disengagement that many educators and parents have noticed among students. By teaching the value of effort, accountability and personal responsibility through the lens of local legends, SD Sturdy hopes to inspire students to face fears and challenges head-on — both inside and outside the classroom.
Each lesson requires one to two 30–40 minute sessions to complete, with additional materials available for those who want to explore their themes further. Educators are encouraged to use as many of the lessons as they’d like, during standalone sessions or in conjunction with language arts or social studies curricula.
To further support the goals of the SD Sturdy program, the Department of Social Services in collaboration with the Department of Education developed free behavioral health toolkits which focus on promoting a positive mindset and healthy strategies for dealing with stress and ways to build resilience. The toolkits are tailored to elementary, middle and high school students and contain tools for counselors and teachers, digital and parent handouts and other items to remind students of the importance of positivity and strength in facing life’s challenges. The toolkits will be made available for schools to order online at sdbehavioralhealth.gov the beginning of 2025. For a detailed look at the lessons included in SD Sturdy, visit doe.sd.gov/SDSturdy
Words Carry Weight How Speech Helps Stop Stigma
Language plays a critical role in shaping our perceptions and attitudes towards substance misuse, substance use disorders and the best ways to prevent and address them. Using person-first, compassionate language can help reduce stigma and foster a more supportive environment.
• Addiction
• Addict
• Former Addict
• Dependence
• Substance Abuse
• Committed Suicide
• Substance Use Disorder
• Person Misusing Substances or Person Experiencing Substance Use Disorder
• Person in Recovery
• Alcohol Use Disorder or Substance Use Disorder
• Substance Misuse
• Died by Suicide
Mind Games
The Truth Behind Treatment
Setting the record straight on myths and misconceptions about recovery
Myth: Substance use disorder treatment should focus solely on stopping substance misuse.
Effective treatment addresses the whole person — including their basic life needs, mental health, physical health and relationships. Comprehensive care is essential for successful long-term recovery and to prevent returns to use.
Myth: Long-term abstinence is the only way to measure successful treatment.
What friends, family and community can provide to someone in need.
The practice of being aware of the present moment.
An initiative promoting substance misuse prevention methods, treatment options and recovery resources in South Dakota Intense and persistent feelings of fear, worry or dread.
Negative attitudes or beliefs about people experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Professional guidance in resolving personal or psychological issues.
The state of being in good physical and mental health.
A process through which people work to improve their health and wellness.
The act of stopping an issue before it starts. A mood disorder causing a consistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
The ability to recover quickly from difficulties. A deeply distressing or disturbing experience.
A treatment method’s effectiveness can be measured in many ways. Improved quality of life and mental health, increased stability and harm reduction are all signs of progress toward long-term recovery.
Myth: Residential treatment is always more effective than outpatient treatment.
Recovery is different for every individual. A treatment method’s success depends on a wide variety of circumstances, the level of care needed and existing support systems. For some people, outpatient treatment with strong community support can be just as effective as residential care.