Are one of these reasons stopping you from seeking brain health (mental health) help?
Social media is full of wellness tips and holistic hacks to treat common colds and ailments. The internet is rife with exercise videos. Low-carb, gluten-free, reduced-calorie recipes abound in glossy magazines. Americans are awash in information about maintaining and improving physical health, and much of this information cautions the health-conscious to get tailored advice and care from their doctor, nutritionist, physical therapist, etc.
Less information is in the public space about how to talk about and recognize brain health (mental health) issues and ask for help.
This is especially concerning because in any given year, 1 in 5 people will experience some brain health issue — with 1 in 25 living with a serious brain health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Yet nearly half of Americans with clinical level brain health (mental health) risks don’t seek help.
During May — Mental Health Awareness Month — and every month, we want to connect Iowans to brain health services that will increase their hope and improve their lives. As a helping hand and heart, Heart of Iowa Community Services wants to address some of the common questions people have about seeking brain health help.
When should I seek brain health (mental health) help?
The No. 1 reason individuals didn’t seek help for clinical level issues was because they preferred to or felt like they could manage challenges on their own. It’s never too early or too late to ask for brain health help from a professional. No problem is too insignificant or difficult to manage. You don’t have to suffer with brain health issues alone.
It’s incredibly difficult to see your personal challenges with an objective point of view — doctors still visit other doctors to maintain their physical health. Brain health professionals provide compassionate care, and most of all, they offer recommendations based on years of education and experience.
What kind of brain health (mental health) help should I seek?
Another major deterrent is that many people (36%) don’t know what kind of help to seek or where to seek it. Heart of Iowa’s service coordinators can assess your needs and connect you to the best brain health professionals for your circumstances, taking the guesswork out of finding services independently.
Will anyone know if I see a therapist?
Brain health needs are as varied and circumstantial as physical health needs, and most people will experience a short- or long-term brain health issue at some point in their lives. There’s no need to feel ashamed of brain health symptoms but know that what you share with a brain health professional is confidential.
This May, take the time to prioritize your brain health. We’re with you every step of the way. Contact us at HICSIowa.org/contact-us.