As a helping heart for our communities, we share tips through our blog on managing mental health struggles and connecting with disability services.
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How to handle interpersonal conflicts around the holidays
The holidays can be a fun-filled time full of traditions honored and memories made. It can also be a time when you dread sitting down to a meal with a certain family member, walk on eggshells around relatives you only see once a year or grieve the loss of a loved one even more than usual.
12.09.2024
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Smoking and nicotine use can worsen mental health
During November, the American Cancer Society hosts the Great American Smokeout® to encourage and support people quitting smoking and tobacco use. Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) knows that physical health struggles can take a mental toll and vice versa. Let’s examine how smoking and other nicotine and tobacco use can affect mental health.
11.07.2024
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Crisis canine Tucker helps first responders, students and incarcerated individuals central and southwestern Iowa
Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) is thrilled to have expanded our staff and services a la an adorable four-legged new employee. We’ve added a crisis canine to our roster of mental health support staff.
10.22.2024
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How do you introduce a child to mental health?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports good mental health is critical for children as they reach developmental and emotional milestones, gain social skills, and learn how to deal with life’s problems.
Mental disorders in children change how they behave, learn, and handle emotional trauma or strong emotions. Mentally healthy children function well in their homes, their learning environment and their community and display a positive quality of life.
09.26.2024
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Why mental issues in children should be taken seriously.
If left untreated, any illness can pose a serious risk to a child. A mental illness is no different.
While the exact cause of mental illness in children is unknown, experts believe it is likely a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some children who experience mental disorders also have parents with mental disorders or substance use issues.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports early detection and intervention for childhood mental illness are critical because mental health conditions often worsen without treatment.
09.25.2024
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Program trains school staff to notice, talk and act to make a positive difference in kids’ mental health
This program equips staff in any role at the school to know what to do if they see a normally cheerful child become quiet, unhappy and isolated. Most educational institutions have a school counselor who helps teach students about emotions, may address behavioral concerns and advises kids and families on mental health related topics. But schools likely only have one counselor, and while Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) can help train other educators on mental health tactics, students interact with a variety of staff members throughout their time at school.
09.18.2024
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What should you do when your child has mental health issues?
By and large, parents and caregivers want the best for their children and will do whatever they can to protect their child from hardship. So when a kid’s mental health is suffering, it can be tumultuous for the whole family.
It can be difficult to know what to do or how to seek help when your child is experiencing mental health issues. It can be easy to pore through children’s mental health articles and a child mental disorders list to attempt to diagnose your loved one on your own. While you’re likely urgently searching for a way to help, you may inadvertently be causing harm.
09.18.2024
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What percentage of youth ages 9 to 17 years old have a major mental disorder?
Preteens and teens have a lot to contend with. They’re likely going through a lot of physical changes, learning more about themselves, wanting to branch out and exert their will, becoming more aware of social situations, feeling pressure academically or in extracurriculars, and more.
Add a kid’s mental health struggles to the mix, and that’s a difficult load to manage. And even if a child or teen doesn’t have a preexisting mental health condition, all of those pressures may contribute to a mental health disorder.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mental health statistics in youth indicate that America is experiencing a child and teenage mental health crisis, which has worsened from 2011 to 2021, according to the most recent CDC report.
09.18.2024