Mental Health issues are serious and many folks don’t know the warning signs or symptoms associated with mental health illnesses. SDSU is offering a virtual Mental Health First Aid Course to help folks understand the signs, symptoms, potential risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems.
This online course has two components to it. The first, a two hour self paced course. The second, virtual training’s that are being held multiple times during August, September and October. These four hour training sessions will be lead by MHFA certified instructors.
SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist, Andrea Bjornestad, says that these coursed don’t teach counseling and should not replace the role of a counselor. She says the course is designed to teach participates specific steps in providing assistance and the referral process during a mental health crisis. The goal behind the course is to help you identify when someone is dealing with a mental health or substance abuse related crisis and help them get the help they need.
If you are interested in taking this course, you can get registered on the SDSU extension website or by clicking here. Their website says you will receive an email that will provide you with the links to take the self-guided course as well as get registered for the virtual learning sessions.
In addition, SDSU has resources for signs of stress, communications among families about finances, stress for farm operations, how to receive help from a counselor and other agricultural stressors. If you would like more information on farm stress, you can get that by clicking here.
Farmers, ranchers, along with their family and friends have access to Avera Rural Stress Hotline at 1-800-691-4336. Each call is answered by a counselor that understands the agriculture industry and can provide related referral if necessary.
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