MSU Extension provides powerful tools

MSU Extension is helping to make a difference in Osceola County by teaching skills for better self care and care for others.

Participants at an event.
Photo by MSU Extension.

Powerful tools for caregivers

Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregivers frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life as problems. They often feel they have no control over events, and that feeling of powerlessness has a significant negative impact on caregivers’ physical and emotional health.

Classes help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or relative. This series of classes helps reduce stress, improve self-confidence, manage time, set goals, solve problems, better communicate feelings, locate helpful resources and make tough decisions. A local participant read an article advertising “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” and told MSU Extension facilitators, “I was reading about myself in that article and that’s why I’m here.”

Communicating with Farmers Under Stress 

The “Communicating with Farmers Under Stress” workshop is geared for agricultural professionals who work with farmers and their families. Building awareness of stress triggers, signs of stress, and helpful techniques for responding to stress are a focus of this workshop. Techniques for identifying, approaching and working with farmers who may not cope with stress effectively and learning what community resources are available to farm families rounds out this training.

Weathering the Storm: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset 

The “Weathering the Storm: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset” workshop is specifically for farming families to help build skills in identifying stress signs and symptoms, strategies for managing stress, finding out where to access community resources and making an action plan for managing stress.

 

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