Firearm Instructors Mental Health Resource Videos
This video came in response to new state requirements mandating mental health training as part of concealed carry certifications. This comprehensive video offers expert insights and practical advice across seven key chapters. It begins with an introduction by Michael Sodini, the founder of Walk the Talk America, who sets the stage for what follows. These chapters cover a range of crucial topics, from understanding your mental functioning and recognizing personal biases to responsible firearm storage and managing access to firearms.
Professionals like Kevin Dixie lead each section and include board members of Walk the Talk America: Jake Wiskerchen, a marriage and family therapist, and Rob Pincus, an expert in firearm training. They provide valuable tools, techniques, and resources to enhance your mental health and promote responsible firearm ownership. Whether you’re a new gun owner or a seasoned instructor, this video is an essential guide to understanding the intersection of mental health and responsible firearm use.
Published May 29, 2024.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Presented by Michael Sodini
Founder of Walk the Talk America, Michael Sodini, introduces the organization he built and the purpose of this video.
Chapter 2: Understanding Your Mental Functioning
Presented by Jake Wiskerchen
Jake Wiskerchen, owner of Zephyr Wellness, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Walk the Talk America Board Member, introduces tools to improve your mental health, like knowing your emotions and other topics that can help you better understand and control your mental functioning.
Mentioned in this section: Emotional Functioning Flyer (PDF)
Chapter 3: Responsible Storage
Presented by Rob Pincus
Rob Pincus, owner of I.C.E. Firearm Training and Walk the Talk America Board Member, discusses the importance of storing your firearms responsibly. He demonstrates some popular tools and devices for storage.
Mentioned in this section: PersonalDefenseNetwork.com
Chapter 4: Know Your Own Biases
Presented by Kevin Dixie
Kevin Dixie, owner of N.O.C. Firearms Training, explains why knowing your own biases is important as a firearm owner.
Chapter 5: Access
Presented by Rob Pincus
Rob Pincus returns in this chapter to discuss why access matters and limiting unauthorized access to others and even yourself at times as a gun owner is a good idea. He also includes tips on removing components of firearms and devices that could help temporarily remove access to a gun to someone who is in crisis or even just trying a new medication and isn’t sure how it will impact them.
Chapter 6: Resources To Improve Your Mental Health
Presented by Jake Wiskerchen
Jake Wiskerchen is back to talk about some great resources to improve your mental health.
Mentioned in this section:
- 1999-2020 cause of death statistics (D374F540 & D374F541)
- 2021 suicide by firearm statistics
- Walking Through Anger by Dr. Christian Conte
- Zephyr Wellness education videos
- Carry Your Own Backpack by Holly Schneider
- Noggin Notes podcast
- Guns and Mental Health podcast
- Free, anonymous mental health screenings
- At the Intersection of Guns and Mental Health: The Introductory Course
- At the Intersection of Guns and Mental Health: The Intermediate Course
