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Cass Extension holding mental health course

Pharos-Tribune - 7/1/2021

Jul. 1—The pandemic changed lives.

Whether a person was laid off from work or suffered the loss of a loved one, 2020 forever changed the future.

And the scope of that unrest continues to be studied far and wide — with one area coming out on top as the most evaluated, possibly the most significant of impacts: mental health.

Because mental health is at the forefront in society, many healthcare professionals are spending more time asking the question that many folks struggle to answer: Are you OK? Those answers are surprisingly similar, with people of all ages responding with a simple "no."

Stress levels are at an all-time high; anxiety and depression are taking center stage in people's lives; and suicide rates are skyrocketing, according to Jane Horner, extension educator, health and human sciences, Purdue Extension Cass County.

Four County Counseling Center Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carrie Cadwell agreed. In a previous statement, Cadwell explained that "[t]here is the battle of wellness, and we're still on the precipice of it." She said that the number of people seeking mental health support has drastically increased in the last 12 months.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest report states that suicide has become the Hoosier state's 10th-leading cause of death.

That statistic exactly matches the nation's, according to a report by the Indiana State Department of Health. Every 12.6 minutes, one American dies by suicide, the report stated, adding that "Nationally, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among those 15 — 34 years of age, and the third leading cause of death among youth aged 10 — 14."

Horner would like to help people before they feel the need to end a life.

That's why her organization will host a Mental Health First Aid program from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Aug. 3. Part of the event will be held at the Cass County 4-H Fairgrounds, while half will be held virtually. This will be a pilot platform for the statewide program.

Horner said that after holding the event for the last two years, it was decided it was too long for people to remain at one location, but also too long for everything to be completed online. Therefore, a hybrid scenario will be done in Cass County.

The training is open to anyone 18 years or older, and registration may be completed online at extension.purdue.edu/mhfa.

This course, which is partially funded through a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration block grant, is geared at helping to "eliminate the stigma behind mental health," she said. "One in five people experience a mental health disorder each year with almost half experiencing a mental health illness during his (or her) lifetime."

If a person cannot function in an everyday setting, meaning he or she cannot live, love, or work, then there is a struggle, Horner said, explaining that the First Aid course focuses on techniques necessary to recognize the signs of suffering from a mental health issue.

The course teaches people to see the warning signs of another in need and how to ask the right questions.

"CPR is given until help arrives," said Horner, "and this course is like that. Those who learn to look for the signs provide help before the professional arrives."

Those who attend will learn how to interact with and support someone who may be developing a mental health issue or experiencing a crisis, according to Purdue University. In a release, the university added that participants will develop skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues; gain a new perspective about the stigma surrounding mental health struggles; learn how to start conversations with those at risk and encourage them to seek help; and understand available resources for mental health and chemical dependency services.

"It's so important," said Horner, "because there has been an increase in people attempting and completing suicide with a 51 percent increase of youth, high school, and college girls."

And while this program originally began as a way to reach those in the agriculture community where suicide rates have been the highest among any occupation for several years running, Horner said various concerns, including the pandemic, established a need among youth educators. "We saw that there was a big need to reach teachers and those who work with young people."

The more people who are able to lend a helping hand and guide those who are suffering to a professional resource, the better off society will be, Horner said. But it all starts with recognizing the warning signs. And "that's how this course can make a difference."

Reach Kristi Hileman at kristi.hileman@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5150

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