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South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center

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Families - South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center

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Hello Families! You are your child's first teachers! We love getting to work with you and your kiddos through your schools, child care providers, and directly with you. If you are part of any family, we have resources for you! Please contact us to share your ideas, feedback, resources.

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The Hilarious World of Depression Podcast

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The Hilarious World of Depression Podcast

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Listen to The Hilarious World of Depression on Spotify. A show about clinical depression...with laughs? Well, yeah. Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe.

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Time to talk - a parent's perspective on children's mental illness: Liza Long at TEDxSanAntonio 2013

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Difficult Conversations - Roundup | YoungMinds Parents Lounge

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Our fall Basics class is starting October 5th. This FREE 6-session online class is for parents and caregivers of children and teens with symptoms of a mental health condition. Don't miss this class! You can improve your skills as a parent and learn how to care for yourself and your child from others who have had similar experiences. Parents say this class changed their lives.

Register online: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckd-yqpzIuG9XIhOegau9MTVky2OJ52Z2p or email: marilyncharging1@msn.com.

Family to Family is a course designed for loved ones of adults who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. The course consists of eight sessions taught by trained family members of people with mental illness.

Among the topics covered in Family to Family are:

What mental illness is, signs and symptoms and the effects mental illness has on the brain.

Current information on available treatment options including medications, their side-effects and other evidence-based therapies.

Ways to communicate effectively with your loved one, managing crisis situations and solving problems.

Being a caregiver for a person with a mental illness can be very stressful. Family to Family teaches self-care strategies and proper coping skills for stress management.

Information on relapse, local resources and services.

The entire course is free of charge.
Classes are held online during COVID-19. Please contact the NAMI SD office at namisd@midconetwork for more information or to let us know you wish to attend a future class. Also see our Facebook page for class notifications.
NAMI Basics is a free, 6 class education program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or who have already been diagnosed.

You'll learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support your child at home, at school and when they're getting medical care. Last year, 99% of participants told us they would recommend the program to other parents.

The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience-they know what you're going through because they've been there. The program provides critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery.
Classes are held online during COVID-19. Please contact the NAMI SD office at namisd@midconetwork for more information or to let us know you wish to attend a future class. Also see our Facebook page for class notifications.

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Our fall Basics class is starting October 5th. This FREE 6-session online class is for parents and caregivers of children and teens with symptoms of a mental health condition. Don't miss this class! You can improve your skills as a parent and learn how to care for yourself and your child from others who have had similar experiences.

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Parenting Guides

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Video Resources

Explore our library of expert-led videos to support your child's mental health. Our videos cover anxiety, depression, social media, and much more.

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The Child Mind Institute's Family Resource Center is committed to providing up-to-date, authoritative and actionable information about children's mental health and well-being.

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Family Resource Center - Child Mind Institute

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares. Parenting Guides Ask an Expert Explore our library of expert-led videos to support your child's mental health. Our videos cover anxiety, depression, social media, and much more.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Let's say you're having an open, honest conversation with someone about mental health - you can find tips on how to do that - and they feel comfortable enough with you to reveal that they're having thoughts of suicide. You probably feel an immense amount of pressure. How should you respond? What can you do to connect them to help?

First of all, realize that someone opening up in this way is a positive thing, because it's an opportunity to help. Here are some ways you can respond.
Let them know you're listening
First of all, reassure them you hear what they're saying, and that you're taking them seriously.

"I'm so glad you're telling me about how much has been going on, and how you're feeling. Thank you for sharing this with me."
Show your support
In your own way, make sure they know you're there with them, and that you care.

"I'm right here with you."

"Nothing you're going through changes how I feel about you, and how awesome I think you are."

"I love you no matter what, and we're going to get through this together."
Encourage them to keep talking - and really listen
Let them know you want to hear more about how they're feeling, and what they're going through. Listen actively by expressing curiosity and interest in the details.

"Wow - that situation sounds really difficult."

"How did that make you feel when that happened?"
Ask them about changes in their life and how they are coping
Find out how long it's been that the person has been feeling this way, and any changes it's caused in their life.

"How long have you felt this way? When did these feelings start?"

"Have these thoughts led to any specific changes in your life, like trouble sleeping, or keeping up with work?"

"Have you been getting out as much as before? Are you isolating yourself?"
Be direct if you suspect they're thinking about suicide
If you think someone's thinking about suicide, trust your gut and ask them directly. Research shows it will not put the idea in their head, or push them into action. Often, they'll be relieved someone cares enough to hear about their experience with suicidal thoughts.

"Are you thinking about killing yourself?"

"Does it ever get so tough that you think about ending your life?"

Make sure not to sound like you're passing judgment ( DON'T say: "You're not thinking of doing something stupid, are you?") or guilt-trip them (DON'T say: "Think of what it would do to your parents.")

Instead, reassure them that you understand and care.

"I really care about you, and I want you to know you can tell me anything."
What can you say if they tell you they're thinking about killing themselves?
Stay calm - just because someone is having thoughts of suicide, it doesn't mean they're in immediate danger. Take the time to calmly listen to what they have to say, and ask some follow-up questions.

"How often are you having these thoughts?"

"When it gets really bad, what do you do?"

"What scares you about these thoughts?"

"What do you need to do to feel safe?"

Reassure them that help is available, and that these feelings are a signal that it's time to talk to a mental health professional.

"The fact that you're having these thoughts tells me something significant is going on for you right now. The good news is, help is out there. I want to help you get connected to resources that can help."
Follow their lead, and know when to take a break
This is a tough conversation to have, so make sure the other person knows they can stop if it feels like talking about it is too hard for them at the moment.

"Are you okay with continuing to talk about this?"

"I want to support you, and I'll be here if you want to talk more later."
How to suggest they could benefit from professional help
You are being a great person in having this supportive conversation - but you're not a mental health professional. If the person you care about has told you they're thinking of suicide, it's a warning sign that they should speak with a mental health professional. Here's how you can broach the subject.

"I hear you that you're struggling, and I think it would really be helpful for you to talk to someone who can help you get through this."

"You know, therapy isn't just for serious, "clinical" problems. It can help any of us process any challenges we're facing - and we all face serious stuff sometimes."

"I really think talking to someone can help you gain some perspective, and keep things from getting worse."

"You're in good company: the highest-performing executives and elite athletes lean on mental health professionals to hone their performance. Reaching out for professional guidance and therapy is a strong thing to do, and it can make all the difference."
Help them connect
Sometimes making that first moment of contact to professional help can be the hardest. Offer to help them connect in whatever way you're comfortable with.

"I could call your insurance with you, or go online to find a mental health professional or substance use program. Or I could sit with you while you do it. We can figure it out together."

"I could drive or walk you to your appointment. Then we could have coffee afterwards."
If they're concerned about privacy
If the person is worried about others finding out that they're getting treatment, let them know their worries are mostly unfounded.

"Mental health treatment actually has even greater confidentiality safeguards than physical health treatment."

"Most people realize that mental health is an extremely important, valid part of health in general - and we all have various kinds of health issues. People who get support for their mental health are seen as strong, smart and proactive."

If they ask you not to tell anyone, tell them you want to help them get the support they need - and that that may involve enlisting the help of others. Encourage them to be part of the conversation that happens in reaching out for help, and reassure them you'll be as discreet as possible in your effort to keep them safe.
What if they refuse?
Not everyone is ready right away. If someone you know is struggling refuses your suggestion of professional help (and if they aren't in immediate danger, i.e. that they are not presently self-harming or about to), be patient and don't push too hard.

"It's okay that it doesn't sound like you're ready yet. I really hope you'll think about it. Just let me know if you change your mind, and I can help you connect with someone."

"I know you're going through a lot, and I really believe it can make a big difference for your life, and your health. Just consider it for later, and know I'm here to help."

"If you're not ready to go in and meet with someone in person, you could call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or if you don't feel like speaking, just text TALK to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. They can tell you more about what it might be like to work with a doctor, counselor or therapist."

You can also offer to speak with their primary care provider as a gentle next step - family and friends can provide information to health care providers without expecting a call back or for the HCP to provide any confidential health information back.
When the convo's winding down...
End the conversation by reiterating that you are so glad for the chance to connect on this deeper level about such meaningful things in life. Remind them that we all have challenges at times, and that you'll continue to be there for them.
* If they're in immediate danger Check out (and share) our other AFSP #RealConvo Guides: How to Start (and Continue!) a Conversation About Mental Health: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP Reaching Out for Help: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP How to Talk to a Suicide Loss Survivor: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP

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If Someone Tells You They're Thinking About Suicide: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP

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Let's say you're having an open, honest conversation with someone about mental health - you can find tips on how to do that - and they feel comfortable enough with you to reveal that they're having thoughts of suicide. You probably feel an immense amount of pressure. How should you respond?

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Tips to use to start and continue the conversation

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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You don't need special training to have an open, authentic conversation about mental health - and often, just talking about it can be the first important step in understanding where someone is with their mental health, and helping them get support or treatment if needed.

Here are some quick pointers you can use for having a #RealConvo with the people in your life.
Let people know you're willing to talk about #MentalHealth.
The easiest way to let people know you're willing to talk about mental health is to be open about your own. Try to think of it in the same way you think about your physical health. Allow it to come up naturally in conversation in the same way.

If you've seen a mental health professional in the past, when the subject comes up, you might say, in your own words:

"I've had times in my life when I've struggled. I went to talk to someone, and it really helped me."

A casual reference like the one above can have a powerful effect, letting others know you're a safe person to talk to if they ever need to reach out.
What can you say to someone you think may be struggling?
Trust your gut if you think someone's having a hard time, and speak to them privately. Start with an expression of care, followed by an observation.

"I care about you and I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately. You seem more frustrated than you've been in a while, and I'm wondering how you're doing."

Normalize mental health by talking about it directly.

"I wonder if what's happening at work these days is stressing you out."

"With everything that's going on in your family, I wonder if you're feeling overwhelmed."

Let them know you get it, and that it's okay - and normal - to struggle in response to life's challenges.

"I've been through things in my life, too, and what I've often found is that talking about it helps. Whatever it is, I'm here to listen and support you."
The timing doesn't have to be perfect
You may not always be able to speak with someone the moment you notice they might be struggling. It's fine to circle back some other time soon.

"The other day I noticed you seemed upset. I made a note that I wanted to talk with you. I'm really concerned about how you're doing. So let's talk."

Sometimes creating some space is the perfect thing to do. Let them know you can have the conversation at a time that's right for them.

"Can we grab some coffee and talk about it?"

"Would you like to go for a walk?"
What if they hesitate?
The other person might worry that sharing how they feel will be a burden to others. They might say something like, "You must be sick of hearing about all of this," or, "I don't want to saddle you with my problems."

In your own words, tell them:

"Not only am I not sick of it, but I care about you, so I want to be there for you. I get that life is complex - so I'm here to listen and support you."
Would they be more comfortable talking to someone else?
If you suspect the other person might be more comfortable talking with someone else, you can offer to help connect them.

"Is talking to me about this helping you right now? Or is there someone else you'd feel more comfortable with, who we can bring in to help support you?"
What if they tell you they really are having a hard time?
Reassure them that it's okay to talk about.

"You know what? Everyone goes through periods in their life when they're struggling. But just because you're struggling now doesn't mean you'll always feel this way."

Then ask for more detail, and let them know they can go to that dark place with you.

"What's the worst thing about what you're going through right now?"

And make sure to include that getting help from a mental health professional can truly make a big difference in their situation.
Click here for guidance on how to lead the conversation and respond. When the convo's winding down...
End the conversation by reiterating that you are so glad for the chance to connect on this deeper level about such meaningful things in life. Remind them that we all have challenges at times, and that you'll continue to be there for them.
Nicely done! You've had a #RealConvo about Mental Health! How do you follow up?
Give yourself a pat on the back for having a #RealConvo with someone!

But don't just leave it at that. Follow up to let them know it was okay to open up, that you care, and that you're still a "safe" person to talk to about mental health.

"You know, you've been on my mind since we had that conversation the other day."

"I've really been thinking about what we talked about, and I want to circle back. How're you feeling since we spoke?"

Being available to have a #RealConvo about mental health is an important way we can all be there for the people in our lives, whether it's a friend, family member, or someone in your community. All it takes is a willingness to be open, honest and present with the people you care about.

We all have mental health. Reach out and have a #RealConvo with someone in your life today.
Check out (and share) our other AFSP #RealConvo Guides: If Someone Tells You They're Thinking About Suicide: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP Reaching Out for Help: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP How to Talk to a Suicide Loss Survivor: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP

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How to Start (and Continue!) a Conversation About Mental Health: A #RealConvo Guide from AFSP

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You don't need special training to have an open, authentic conversation about mental health - and often, just talking about it can be the first important step in understanding where someone is with their mental health, and helping them get support or treatment if needed.

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Every conversation starts somewhere

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We gathered a team of performers, many of whom have connections to mental illness in their own lives. We asked them to roleplay different conversations, touching on various diagnoses and relationships.

The videos show that no matter what you're facing, or who you're reaching out to, you can make a real connection. Not every conversation will be perfect, but each one fights the stigma around mental illness. And, that's a conversation worth having.

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We gathered a team of performers, many of whom have connections to mental illness in their own lives. We asked them to roleplay different conversations, touching on various diagnoses and relationships. The videos show that no matter what you're facing, or who you're reaching out to, you can make a real connection.

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Suicide rates for the American Indian population are typically significantly higher than for other racial or ethnic groups; although suicide rates do vary among tribes. American Indians residing on reservations often face a number of challenges, including historical trauma, poverty, and high rates of unemployment and substance use. Suicidal ideation among youth residing on reservations has been found to be higher than for those youth living in more urban settings, though rates of attempted suicide were not found to be significantly different between the two groups (Freedenthal, S. & Stiffman, A.R., 2004). For American Indian toolkits, click here.

The Reach for Life campaign was created to promote the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in tribal communities. The colors of the traditional medicine wheel were chosen as the colors of the campaign. The campaign materials include posters, wristbands, wallet size referral cards and drawstring bags. To order the Reach for Life campaign materials, click here.

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Suicide rates for the American Indian population are typically significantly higher than for other racial or ethnic groups; although suicide rates do vary among tribes. American Indians residing on reservations often face a number of challenges, including historical trauma, poverty, and high rates of unemployment and substance use.

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Listen on all podcast apps or namisouthdakota.org

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Listen to Why We NAMI - A Mental Health Podcast on Spotify. Why We NAMI is a podcast that explores the subject of mental health, helping you stay connected, stay informed, and stay well.

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Online resource for parents

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 15-24 in the United States, and is the second leading cause of death for this age group in South Dakota, second only to accidents. In 2016, there were 5,723 youth ages 15-24 that died by suicide in the United States. While these numbers may not seem large, even one death by suicide is too many.

Although youth suicide is relatively rare, thoughts of suicide are not. Data from South Dakota youth from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) indicate that 17.7% of high school youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months, 14.6% made a plan for attempting suicide, and 8.6% had attempted suicide one or more times in the 12 month period before the survey.

It is important for parents to recognize changes in their child's behavior that may indicate something is wrong. It is not always easy to determine between the usual ups and downs of adolescent behavior and the signs of something more serious. In addition, youth may be reluctant to discuss their feelings. One important step that parents can take is to be aware of the risk factors and warning signs that a child might be at risk for suicide. Warning signs include:

Feelings of hopelessness, helpless, trapped, losing control, worthless, anxious and angry.

Actions such as recklessness, doing risky or dangerous things, use of alcohol or other drugs, getting into fights or arguments, talking or writing about death, changes in eating and sleeping, withdrawal from friends or activities.

Statements such as "I won't be around much longer," "Pretty soon you won't have to worry about me," "It'll all be over soon," "I wish I was dead," and "Nothing matters anymore."

Situations such as losses of any kind (relationship, financial, family), life changes that seem overwhelming, getting into legal trouble or trouble at school, experiencing death of a friend or relative, especially if by suicide.

Resources:

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 15-24 in the United States, and is the second leading cause of death for this age group in South Dakota, second only to accidents. In 2016, there were 5,723 youth ages 15-24 that died by suicide in the United States.

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Online resource for parents

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Office locations will be open for scheduled appointments, with sanitizing and social distancing policies in place. Visitors are asked to wear face masks.
During this time, we continue to be available as a resource for families and the professionals that serve them. Please reach out for support and assistance.

Call Us at 1-800-640-4553 or 605-361-3171. Leave your name and number (speak sl owly, please, and give us your phone number twice) if someone is not available to take your call.

Email Us at sdpc@sdparent.org

Message Us over Facebook or our website

We continue to assess the situation and will post updates in t his space. Our thoughts are with each of you as we face this challen ging time. Together.

March 25, 2020 - Joint Statement on Serving Students with Disabilities During COVID-19 Outbreak
SD Dept of Education, SD Parent Connection, Disability Rights SD
(Pierre, SD) - The South Dakota Department of Education Special Education Programs, South Dakota Pa It is our firm belief, despite the unprecedented challenge facing districts and families, that students with disabilities will be served by parties coming together to make decisions on how to provide services in a manner that ensures the health and safety of all parties and that allows for meaningful progress on IEP goals and educational standards. rent Connection, and Disability Rights South Dakota remain committed to the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We believe the rights of all students with disabilities must be maintained, even during school closures, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Thank you for considering a donation to SD Parent Connection! How South Dakota Parent Connection Can Help

We connect families caring for children/youth (ages birth to 26) with the full range of disabilities or special health care needs to information, training and resources in an environment of support, hope and respect.

- Individual assistance provided to families & professionals

- Workshops for families & professionals offered throughout the state

- Electronic and printed publications and online resources

- Connect families to other organizations that can provide assistance to meet their unique needs

South Dakota Parent Connection is part of two national networks, the Center for Parent Information and Resources and Family Voices, which promote the partnership of families, professionals and advocates for the involvement of families as valued decision makers in their children's lives.

Website and offices in Sioux Falls (3701 W 49th St, Suite 102), Rapid City (2310 N. Maple Ave) and Aberdeen (1707 4th Ave, Suite C) are ADA accessible.

Thank you for your attention to the health and safety of students and educational providers during this time. We will get through this by working together. If you have questions during this time, please feel free to reach out to the Special Education Program representative for your region, South Dakota Parent Connection, or Disability Rights South Dakota.

Contact Us

The contents of this website were developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M140021; Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H84MC07994, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750 and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.

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Office locations will be open for scheduled appointments, with sanitizing and social distancing policies in place. Visitors are asked to wear face masks. During this time, we continue to be available as a resource for families and the professionals that serve them. Please reach out for support and assistance.

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Online resource for LGBTQ

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Dial 2 - 1 - 1

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 211 Helpline Center is providing up to date information, assistance in finding food or other basic essential needs, and connecting volunteers to those who need them. In addition to connecting individuals with resources, we're providing a centralized location for organizations and businesses to list available assistance, closures and cancellations, and program restrictions.

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 211 Helpline Center is providing up to date information, assistance in finding food or other basic essential needs, and connecting volunteers to those who need them. In addition to connecting individuals with resources, we're providing a centralized location for organizations and businesses to list available assistance, closures and cancellations, and program restrictions.

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helpful reminder of warning signs