Men's mental health group a valuable safe space

 For men in the Flathead Valley, spaces to be vulnerable about mental health challenges are few and far between.  

Molly Hutchinson, a therapist in training based in Kalispell who operates Healing Roots Counseling, is guiding a new men’s mental health group that tackles a variety of topics, such as trouble with anxiety, fatherhood during the holidays, changes with the seasons, and casual topics like making food and playing guitar. 

"Men are more prone to suicidal ideation,” Hutchinson said. “There are stigmas that can enforce mental health issues.”  

Brandon Hutchinson, Molly’s husband, is committed to opening discussion at meetings, which are held once a month on Wednesdays at the Whitefish Community Center.  

“If you have that moment of vulnerability and you're willing to talk and share those feelings, it can be impactful healing,” he said.  

Molly Hutchinson served as a medic in the Air Force before deciding she wanted to specialize in mental health rather than physical health. 

She went on to get her graduate degree from Montana State University. She then worked at a community health center in Bozeman, focusing on crisis and suicide prevention.  

The Hutchinsons moved to Kalispell about a year ago and knew they wanted to do something about the lack of support for men's mental health in the valley. 

“If you don't have a church, or don't hunt, fish or ski, or you work remote, or you don't fit into a particular shape, it can take more effort to put yourself out there,” Brandon Hutchinson said. “Friendship by osmosis doesn't always happen,” he said.  

Molly Hutchinson aims to leave room for participants to lead the conversation.  

"I facilitated a group in Bozeman for survivors of suicide attempts and learned a lot about what it means to be hands off as a leader in groups," she said.  

"There's so many moving parts and it's not my group,” she said. “But in the case that someone does bring up suicide, it's important to have a therapist there so I can facilitate more and I can make that connection with the individual," she said.  

Molly Hutchinson said she also takes the initiative when helping participants get connected with a therapist for individual sessions if needed.  

"Having to navigate finding a therapist when you're feeling depressed is stressful. So, I try to be there as someone in their corner to say, 'Hey, I've got you. I’ll whatever I can do so you don't feel alone,'" she said.  

It's a reciprocal learning experience for her as well. 

"I learn from the groups how to support my male clients as a therapist just by listening to the intricacies of men's mental health,” she said.  

As an active participant, Brandon Hutchinson said he has already seen benefits from attending.  

"Actively going out and putting in work to connect myself has been a big part of my journey. It motivates me and gives me hope in other men," he said.  

"In general, men don't always talk about struggling with friends, family, finances, all different things, and it can be intimidating," he said. "But I’m willing to show up and get the ball rolling.” 

The group is currently open to younger teenagers to observe or talk as long as they are not disruptive.  

"They may not always relate, but they still experience the 'get tough' mindset in middle and high school," Molly Hutchinson said. "I hope they can have good role models.” 

The group hopes to organize men's retreats in the future as well.  

"The goal is not to be dependent on this group. It's planting seeds,” Molly Hutchinson said. “I tell my clients that as a therapist, I'm not going to give you a flower. I'm going to teach you how to garden. It doesn't have to be in the therapy room; it's taking it outside," she said.  

They also aim to spread resources online and have started a Facebook group called Flathead Men’s Support Group.  

The next meeting at the Whitefish Community Center at 121 East Second Street is on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m.