Mental health support has evolved over the decades in the United States as people search for help outside of typical clinical approaches to treatment. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) reports the United States has led the world in innovation and spending but provides a variable quality of care. That may be due to a complex mental health system of independent agencies, single providers and government agencies. Each state oversees a unique public mental health care system for those with severe disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or chronic depression. The NLM reports the organization of these many systems, programs and providers is often based on funding and profits rather than on the need for public health. Those seeking help often feel as though they have fallen through the cracks in the system and seek out other forms of help in their community.
What are examples of mental health resources?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following examples of community resources for mental health patients:
- Outpatient treatment.
- Prescription medications.
- Medical detoxification.
- Counseling/psychotherapy.
- Medication management.
- Limited psychiatric hospitalization.
- Other services in special circumstances.
There are also many preventative self-care methods that can help a person avoid mental health issues.
- Taking care of your body with balanced meals, exercise and adequate sleep.
- Connecting with others in supportive conversation.
- Taking breaks to do an enjoyed activity, mindful breathing or unwinding.
- Avoiding too much exposure to local news and other sources as it can feel overwhelming.
- Seeking help when needed, like talking to your counselor or doctor.
It is also common for people to experience stress during a disaster. The CDC lists the following common signs of distress:
- Feelings of numbness, disbelief or anxiety.
- Changes in appetite, energy and activity levels.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images.
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems and skin rashes.
- Worsening of chronic health problems.
- Anger or short temper.
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
In 2022, around 49,500 people died by suicide in the United States, according to the CDC. It’s the highest number ever recorded. Suicide can impact anyone at any time. There is help. There is hope. There is support for those who need it.
It starts with recognizing the warning signs that someone is at risk and taking action if someone is in danger.
- Call 911, if danger of self-harm seems imminent.
- Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.
- Listen without judging and show you care.
- Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.
- Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
- If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
What are some community-based approaches to mental health care?
The National Library of Medicine reports that there is evidence supporting the effectiveness of community interventions for improving mental health. Community interventions can be defined as interventions that involve multi-sector partnerships, emphasize community members as integral to the intervention and/or deliver services in community settings.
These include:
- Collaborative care.
- Early psychosis.
- School-based interventions.
- Criminal justice.
- Global mental health.
- Mental health promotion/prevention.
Typically, community mental health interventions involve multi-sector partnerships, include community members or lay health workers, as part of the intervention, and/or involve the delivery of services in community settings such as schools or homes. This involves community resources and expertise outside of the traditional health care system.
How can you use your community to improve your mental and emotional health?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) explains that community efforts to improve mental health can come in many forms and community can be defined in many ways. However, community is really about connections, whether that be family, friends or other groups of people. Community in this sense is actually a feeling of belonging and connection to others, feeling supported and a sense of acceptance for who you are.
As NAMI reports, humans are social beings not meant to live in isolation. A sense of community is critical to thrive, particularly for someone struggling with mental illness and already experiencing loneliness or isolation.
Here are some tips to find a community:
What do you like to do? It’s possible to find a community based on common interests. There are clubs and groups based on many hobbies or interests. You may find it easier to relate and connect to people while doing activities you enjoy.
Think about connecting with people with similar values through charities or volunteer work. Volunteering your time can be a mental health support itself, but finding others who share the same values and work toward the same goal can help broaden your community.
Your spiritual or religious practices or your political beliefs could align with the beliefs of others. Try attending services or going to speaking engagements on your beliefs. It could help you connect with others who share similar beliefs. Connecting with something larger than yourself is a good way to join or broaden a community.
Validation and self-worth can come from the connections made through finding and strengthening a community. Knowing that you are valued and needed as part of a community can provide a sense of safety and satisfaction. A community can provide all of these benefits and more.
How to get help for someone with mental illness?
Watching a friend or loved one struggle with mental health issues can be heartbreaking. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), anyone can experience a mental health problem, but friends and family can make all of the difference in creating a positive outcome.
A friend or family member with a mental health issue could look to you for information, support or guidance. Learning about mental health issues can lead to improved recognition of mental health problem signs, access to earlier treatment and greater understanding and compassion.
If a friend or family member is showing signs of experiencing a mental health problem, here are some ways to support them:
- Offer to find help for the person if they are not getting the care they need and want.
- Express concern and support.
- Remind the person that help is available and that mental health problems can be treated.
- Ask questions, listen to ideas and be responsive when the topic of mental health problems comes up.
- Reassure the person that you care about them.
- Offer to help with everyday tasks.
- Include the person in your plans and continue to invite them without being overbearing, even if they resist your invitations.
- Educate others so they understand the facts about mental health issues.
- Treat people with mental health problems with respect, compassion and empathy.
What is considered a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis can be defined as any situation in which a person’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others or prevents them from functioning or caring for themselves.
NAMI provides guidelines for navigating a mental health crisis. There are many factors that can lead to a mental health crisis, such as:
- Changes in relationship with others (boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse).
- Loss of any kind due to death, estrangement or relocation.
- Conflicts or arguments with loved ones or friends.
- Trauma or exposure to violence.
- Worrying about upcoming projects or tasks.
- Feeling singled out by co-workers/peers; feeling lonely.
- Lack of understanding from peers, co-workers, teachers or supervisors.
- Real or perceived discrimination.
- Failing grades or losing a job.
- Being in crowds or large groups of people.
- Experiencing community violence, trauma, natural disasters or terrorism.
- Pending court dates.
- Using or abusing drugs or alcohol.
- Starting new medication or new dosage of current medication.
- Treatment stops working.
- Stopping medication or missing doses.
How can I promote and support mental health?
There are a surprising number of ways an individual can promote the importance of good mental health. Mental Health America (MHA) lists several ways to help boost your brain health. You may already be practicing some of these methods, and others may surprise you.
Start your day with coffee. The consumption of coffee is linked to lower rates of depression. If you are unable to drink coffee, give green tea a try for the same benefits.
Enjoy dark chocolate. Flavonoids, caffeine and theobromine found in dark chocolate are believed to work together to improve alertness and mental skills. A few pieces per week could bring benefits.
Try meal prepping or picking out clothes for the week. You can save time while creating a sense of control over your week ahead.
Add something new to your diet. Foods like wild salmon, flaxseed and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids. They are linked to decreased rates of depression and schizophrenia. As a bonus, they can also help build healthy gut bacteria.
Don’t stifle your yawn. Studies show yawning can actually help cool the brain and can improve alertness and mental efficiency.
Spend time with pets. Time spent with animals can lower cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, a hormone that can stimulate feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, ask to spend some time with a friend or family member’s pet or volunteer at a shelter.
Smile! Sometimes smiling is not easy to do, but the benefits cannot be ignored. Smiling can help lower your heart rate and calm you down.
Take a walk. A stroll through the park or a hike for 30 minutes can increase energy levels, reduce depression and boost overall well-being.
Soak up the sun. Sunlight can naturally provide you with vitamin D, which can elevate your mood. Remember to take care of your skin and apply sunscreen.
Spend time with friends and family. Research shows people are up to 12 times more likely to feel happy on days they spend with friends and family.
Practice forgiveness. Experts believe people who forgive have better mental health and report being more satisfied with their lives. Carrying a grudge can weigh heavily on you.
Be grateful. Send a thank you note to someone or just write it for yourself. Written expressions of gratitude are linked to increased happiness.
When in doubt, write it out. Writing about experiences that upset you can reduce the symptoms of depression.
Dance it out. Dancing is shown to reduce levels of cortisol and increase feel-good chemicals like endorphins.
Take a warm bath. Add Epsom salts to a warm bath once a week to soothe aches and pains and help boost the magnesium levels you may have lost due to stress.
Get off the grid. Take a break from your smartphone. Disconnect from emails, alerts and other interruptions and spend time doing something fun or relaxing.
What resources are available for people with mental health disorders?
It’s important to understand that treatment for people with diagnosable mental conditions is individualized and may include counseling, psychotherapy, medication therapy and rehabilitation. There are a number of nationwide resources available for those in need of support, ranging from hotlines and online chats to informative websites.
Helplines:
Immediate support: Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or other brain health crisis.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Abuse/Assault/Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800p-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online chat.
LGBTQ+
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 (para español presiona el 2).
The Trevor Project’s TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386.
Older Adults
The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 — TTY Instructions.
Alzheimer’s Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 (para español presiona el 2).
Veterans/Active-Duty Military
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 988, then select 1, or crisis chat or text: 838255.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Resources
Help for Military Service Members and Their Families
Finding Treatment
FindTreatment.gov Find a provider treating substance use disorders, addiction and mental illness.
American Psychiatric Association Foundation Find a psychiatrist.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder.
American Psychological Association Find a psychologist.
Opioid Treatment
What local resources exist in communities to support people living with mental illnesses?
Each Iowa county is a part of a larger group of mental health care regions designed to connect Iowans with the care they need.
IowaMHDSRegions.org Find brain health professionals near you.
Your Life Iowa is the statewide crisis line that provides information and referrals, counseling, crisis service coordination and linkages to crisis screening and mental health services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 855-581-8111, text 855-895-8398 or chat at YourLifeIowa.org.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: DHS.Iowa.gov
Iowa MHDS Advisory Groups: DHS.Iowa.gov
Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council: IowaDDCouncil.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness — Iowa: NAMIIowa.org
Iowa’s Area Education Agencies Mental Health: IowaAEAMentalHealth.org
Iowa Legislature: legis.iowa.gov
A helping heart for Iowa
Heart of Iowa Community Services connects you and your family with service providers who best fit your needs. To find out more about our mental health resources, go to:www.hicsiowa.org.