For Lacy Singhose, being the 2018 Harney County Fair Queen means more than representing the county at various events. It has also given her a chance to bring awareness of mental health to the community, specifically how depression affects young adults.

Singhose said she has dealt with depression for the past 11 months, and once she began talking about it, she learned that it is a bigger problem in the community than she thought.

She said that for the first six months, only her mother knew about her depression. After that time, Singhose went to the doctor and received a prescription for anti-depressants, which has helped.

“I was losing interest in doing anything,” Singhose said. “I would go out to ride my horse, which I love to do, but after about 15 minutes, I would stop. It’s not necessarily feeling down. It’s more just not being yourself.”

Singhose added that the depression was affecting her schoolwork. She was even getting failing test grades.

Singhose said there’s a stigma attached to mental health that often prevents people from talking about their situation, but once the conversation begins, it gets easier and easier.

“Talk to a friend, a parent, a coach, or a teacher,” Singhose said. “And check in with your friends too. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize depression in others, and maybe a friend is in need of just talking with someone.”

Singhose said other fair queens took up awareness campaigns on different topics, such as Down syndrome, diabetes, and suicide prevention, and about six weeks ago, she decided to begin her own depression awareness campaign.

As part of the campaign, Singhose is planning a “Wear Blue” event for the Saturday rodeo during this year’s county fair. Dr. Sarah Laiosa and Jolene Cawlfield of the Harney County Health Department are helping to sponsor the campaign, and wristbands will be passed out to rodeo attendees to show support.

“My goal has always been to help others and change others’ lives in a positive way,” Singhose said. “I’ve already received a lot of feedback, and friends saying thanks for doing this.”

She noted that after talking with friends and receiving permission from the fair board, she posted her story on Facebook to get the word out, and it received more than 2,000 shares.

Singhose will graduate from Burns High School this spring, but she plans to continue the awareness campaign for as long as possible. She plans to attend college next year and run for other fair queen titles, which would allow her to spread the message across the state.

When asked what she would tell young adults who may be suffering from depression, Singhose said, “You’re not alone, and don’t be afraid to reach out or of being judged. I’m involved in FFA, on the volleyball team, and am the fair queen, and people wonder how I could be depressed with so much going for me. But it can happen to anyone.”