Looking after your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed or not yourself, it’s okay to talk with someone about how you’re feeling. After all, the earlier you get help the faster you lead the life you want.
Your Life Iowa can help you
find support
if you have questions or concerns about mental health. We can also support you in helping someone you're concerned about.
If you need ideas to improve your health and wellness, talk to your healthcare provider. Ask for advice from healthy supporters or use reputable internet sources. Remember, there is hope wherever you are.
When it comes to mental health, information is power. There are many different types of mental health diagnoses. All diagnoses affect the brain and the body. The impact on the brain and body depends upon the diagnosis and symptoms. Some symptoms are:
Weight loss
Irritability
Poor sleep
Ongoing depression
Panic attacks
Hallucinations
No matter what the symptoms may be, help and support can improve your health and well-being.
Your mental health directly impacts your physical health
There are many ways mental health can impact physical health. For example, depression increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Anxiety can also lead to physical symptoms, as the body reacts to mental stress.
You can improve your physical and mental health at the same time
Many of the recommendations for living a healthy life also supports positive mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep are ways to improve your health. They help reduce stress levels and provide your body with the fuel it needs to function.
No one is exempt from the possibility of mental health concerns or a mental illness. We all have times where life seems harder than normal or we struggle to manage our mental health. It's important to be aware of what can contribute to poor mental health for your own wellness and your loved ones.
There are many factors that contribute to mental health concerns or a mental illness, including:
A history of mental illness in a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling.
Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one's death or a divorce.
An ongoing, chronic medical condition (such as diabetes).
Brain damage because of a serious injury.
Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or assault.
How we talk and think about mental health impacts those with a mental health concern. Stigma around mental health often prevents people from seeking or accessing care.
The good news is that there are safe, effective tools for combating stigma. You can help reduce stigma.
One of the main ways people perpetuate stigma is through language.
Terms like "crazy" and "psychotic" create the idea that those with a mental health illness are dangerous or bad. Slang or derogatory terms also perpetuate negative connotations. Rather, use person-first language and proper medical terms (i.e., a person who has depression).
Do not use a mental illness as a "catch all" to describe a negative behavior. For example, do not use "She's so bipolar" to describe someone's actions.
Have open, honest conversations about stigma and mental health. Make sure to listen and support them. Offer to help connect them with more support. Your Life Iowa can help you start a conversation about mental health with a loved one.
Learn more about mental health concerns and how they are treatable medical conditions. People with a mental health concern or mental illness deserve compassion and respect.
Psychologist. A doctor trained to make diagnoses and provide therapy.
Psychiatrist. A doctor trained to diagnose and treat mental illness. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication for management of mental or emotional illnesses.
Others include clinical social workers; mental health counselors, and substance use counselors.
What can I do to support a loved one?
Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. In 2020, only 20-percent of adults received any mental health treatment. That included 10-percent of adults who received counseling or therapy from a professional. Family and friends can be important to help someone get the treatment and services they need1.
Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help.
Helping them access mental health services.
Helping them learn self-care and coping techniques.
Learning and sharing facts about mental health.
Treating them with respect.
Using person-first language.
What causes mental health conditions?
There are many different factors that can lead to mental health conditions. Three main contributing factors are2:
Genetic factors or inherited traits. Certain genes may increase a person's risk for developing a mental health condition. Family mental health history may also contribute to having a mental health condition.
Exposure to environmental stressors before birth. This includes things like drugs or other substances. It could also include inflammatory conditions or toxins.
Brain chemistry. When our brain's messaging network gets impaired, nerve receptors can change. This can lead to depression or other mood disorders.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Website for the foundation, which is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants to lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.
State of Mental Health in American website Variety of information from Mental Health America about mental health and race, sexual orientation, and other identities in America.
Where can I find LGBTQ+ and ally resources?
Trans Lifeline organization Phone line and nonprofit organization offering emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. English and Spanish call line available.
The Trevor Project organization The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Where can I find additional support and information?
Iowa's Mental Health and Disability Services Regions Information on Iowa's MHDS regions, the local entities responsible for administering Iowa's community-based, person-centered mental health and disability services system.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Free, 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, prevention crisis and resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Foundation 2 Crisis Services Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7, free crisis intervention and prevention services across Iowa.
Where can I find more information about children's mental health?
Child Mind Institute website Website of resources for families on education, care and research on children’s mental illness and mental health.
Teen Mental Health.org website Easy to read website with resources for teens, friends, parents and more on identifying, management and getting help for mental illness.
Your Life Your Voice website Boys Town webpage with information on mental illness, stress and coping, thoughts of suicide and more with a teen and family focus.
YLI salud mental (con sangrado) Folleto Your Life Iowa en español sobre problemas de salud mental con marcas de corte para impresión profesional.Children’s Mental Health
Reach Your Potential
Recovery is possible
Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. And it's possible for everyone.
If you think you or a loved one may have a problem with alcohol use, drug use, gambling, or their mental health, reach out to Your Life Iowa for free, confidential support.
