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Keep children mentally healthy.

We all want the youth in our life to be healthy and happy. One of the most important ways you can help is to recognize when children could use support for their mental health. Mental health issues can affect the way children learn, act and handle their emotions. This can impact their life at home, school and more.

When children receive the support they deserve, the brighter their future will be.

 Warning Signs

  • Long-lasting sadness
  • Outbursts or extreme irritability
  • Out-of-control behavior
  • Withdrawing from social activities
  • Dramatic changes in sleeping or eating
  • Excessive fear, worry or anxiety
  • Changes in school or friends

See More

Depression Screening

Depression is a common mental health condition in the general population and can affect a person's health and interfere with daily living, including thoughts of suicide. It is important to ask questions about symptoms that one may be experiencing. Select the response that best describes your answer to each question. Your answers are confidential.

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Feeling down, depressed, irritable, or hopeless

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Little interest or pleasure in doing things

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Poor appetite, weight loss, or overeating

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Feeling tired or having little energy

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Feeling bad about yourself - or that you're a failure or have let yourself or your family down

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Trouble concentrating on things like school work, reading, or watching TV

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or, the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you were moving around a lot more than usual

How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks?

Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way

In the past year have you felt depressed or sad most days, even if you felt okay sometimes?

How difficult have these problems made it for you to do your work, take care of things at home or get along with other people?

Has there been a time in the past month when you have had serious thoughts about ending your life?

Have you EVER, in your WHOLE LIFE, tried to kill yourself or made a suicide attempt?

Confirmation

0
Score Risk
0-4
This score would indicate the likelihood of no or minimal depression.
5-9
This score would indicate the likelihood of mild depression.
10-14
This score would indicate the likelihood of moderate depression.
15-19
This score would indicate the likelihood of moderately severe depression.
20-27
This score would indicate the likelihood of severe depression.
Do you wish to send your results to yourself?
Do you wish to send your results to a mental health specialist?

Provide Us Your Info

You have taken an important step by filling out this confidential form. By checking the box below you acknowledge the YLI Privacy Policy and agree to have a Your Life Iowa counselor contact you.

Types of mental health disorders

Learn about common disorders that can affect children and young adults.

Learn more

Support children’s health and wellness.

  • Early Intervention Programs

    Discover programs focused on the healthy development of children in their early years.

  • Finding Services

    Learn about the wide range of services Community Mental Health Centers provide and find a center near you.

  • Regional Resources

    From education to connecting with treatment services and supports, Iowa’s Mental Health and Disability Services regions are here for you and your family.

  • Crisis Services

    Get information on Iowa's crisis services.

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid

    Learn about a course that teaches the public how to respond in a mental health emergency with youth and young adults.

  • Self-care Checklist

    Learn about different ways children can help support their mental health.

  • YourLifeIowa.Support

    Encouragement. One text at a time.

  • Brain Injury

    Brain injuries can be a multi-occurring condition with mental health concerns.

Health & wellness resources

"

I called worried about my son. The counselor listened to my story and helped me create a safe plan to address my concerns. Thank you for your service!”

- YOUR LIFE IOWA CALLER

Support for family and friends.

With Your Life Iowa, you and your loved ones are never alone. Whether you want more information about how to help someone, would like to connect to a treatment professional or just want to talk to someone who cares, we’re here for you.

Family and friends

Want to find help on your own?

Your Life Iowa is always here to help you find resources near you. However, we understand that sometimes you’d like to look for help on your own. Our map will let you do just that.

Find a local provider

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Additional Mental Health Resources