Mental HEalth and Well-Being
AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health educators conducted 541 educational events on various mental health topics that resulted in 12,046 direct contacts. Promotional events and newsletters reached an additional 2,769 contacts for a combined 2024 total of 14,815 contacts. The following programmatic highlights illustrate how AgriLife Extension’s educational programs positively impact the mental health and well-being of Texans.
Mental Health and Well-Being Programs
AgriLife Extension’s mental health and well-being programs provide individuals and families with practical knowledge and skills to prevent mental health crises, build resilience and promote overall well-being. These programs focus on raising awareness of mental health challenges and enhancing participants’ understanding of resilience-building, strategic self-care and stress management. They also provide information about ocal, state and national resources, helping participants connect with additional support and encouraging the timely pursuit of professional assistance such as counseling when needed.
Through programs such as Mental Health First Aid, for both adults and youth; Stress Less with Mindfulness; Mindful SELF; and Building Resilience in All Texans, participants gain valuable tools and support to build healthier lives. A feedback survey from 378 participants indicates that these programs are making a positive impact. 90% of respondents expressed satisfaction, with 60% completely satisfied. Furthermore, 90% found the information easy to understand and 93% found it helpful. Additionally, 87% plan to take action based on the trainings and 77.8% expect improvements in their mental health as a result of what they learned.
I am more hopeful and feel less helpless when I come to situations where I can recognize that someone may be struggling through a mental challenge and I have the unique opportunity to help them. After this course, I feel that I am much better equipped both with evidence-driven tools and with self-care techniques to be able to not only provide mental health first aid, but also remain cognizant in all areas of any interaction.”
