Otter Tail County cites rising mental health distress in May proclamation

Adult frequent mental distress in Otter Tail County more than doubled over the past decade, rising from 8% in 2015 to 19% in 2025, a jump that county leaders used to frame May as more than a ceremonial observance. The average number of poor mental health days reported each month also nearly doubled, from 2.7 days in 2016 to 5 days in 2025. Those numbers, paired with a suicide rate of 21 per 100,000 residents from 2019 through 2023, compared with 14 statewide, gave the county’s Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation a sharply local edge.

The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month, continuing a national observance that has been marked each May since 1949. This year’s county theme, “Turning Awareness Into Action,” is meant to move the discussion beyond recognition and into practical support. County leaders said the goal is to highlight resources, ideas and concrete steps residents can use to support their own well-being and help family members, friends and coworkers who may be struggling.

Human Services Assistant Director Jessica Steinbrenner said the statistics represent neighbors, friends and family members, underscoring the human cost behind the numbers. Behavioral Health Supervisor Megan Adams said support exists across the spectrum of need and that no one has to navigate challenges alone. The proclamation says mental health is as important as physical health, and that no one should have to face challenges without help.

Otter Tail County Human Services is pointing residents to crisis response, case management, substance use treatment and veteran services. The county is also promoting CredibleMind, a free and confidential digital platform with vetted videos, podcasts, apps, online programs, books and articles. Earlier county information said the service gives about 60,000 residents 24/7 access to more than 10,000 science-backed mental health resources tailored to their needs.

The push comes as Minnesota continues to confront a high toll from suicide. State health officials reported 860 suicide deaths in 2022, the highest total ever recorded, before preliminary 2023 data showed 815 deaths and an age-adjusted rate of 14.1 per 100,000. Even with that decline, the Minnesota Department of Health says continued prevention work remains necessary, a message that echoes Otter Tail County’s emphasis on pairing awareness with access. Residents who need immediate help can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.