CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Hope and help through the crisis; Resources available for those in need of mental health support

Austin Daily Herald - 12/11/2019

Dec. 11--While joyous, the holiday season can also be a stressful time of year, particularly for those who have endured a loss or are suffering from mental health issues. But Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota wants people to know that mental health help is available 24/7.

"People are addressing mental health more than they did in the past, but the holidays are a stressful time with finances and expectations, getting together with family and having to travel, and the weather in Minnesota," said Mary Harders, Mobile Crisis Team Lead for Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota. "To know your resources is important, regardless of what time of year it is. There is always someone to talk to outside of your family."

Mobile crisis services for Steele, Dodge, Waseca and Mower counties are provided through a Partnership between Zumbro Valley Health Center, South Central Human Relations Center, and First Call. Mental health supports are provided to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and are available to adults and children, according to Harders.

"This service is for anybody," she said. "Physicians, law enforcement, family members and other third parties may ask Crisis Response to reach out to someone to offer our support if they are concerned about someone."

People can receive phone support from staff at First Call at any time by calling 1-844-274-7472 (1-844-CRISIS2). For individuals that would prefer not to talk to someone over the phone, crisis services are available via text, 24 hours a day, by texting MN to 741741.

If you need in-person support and crisis intervention, members of the mobile team can go to you in your home or another community setting.

"Although talking by phone or meeting face-to-face with someone in a crisis is helpful, a critical part of crisis services is helping that person connect to needed supports and services in the community," Harders said. "If you are thinking about reaching out to crisis services, but you are nervous, know that their staff wants to listen and try to help."

For more information, visit www.crisis2southeastmn.com.

___

(c)2019 the Austin Daily Herald (Austin, Minn.)

Visit the Austin Daily Herald (Austin, Minn.) at www.austindailyherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.