Work together to address mental health

Mental health affects all Iowans, from big cities to rural farms. Unfortunately, as a state we are in a tough spot when it comes to mental health and access to quality mental health care. Mental health struggles are more common here than many people might think.

NAMI Iowa reports that 42% of Iowa adults have experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression — that’s 20% higher than the national average reported by the CDC. Our state ranks 43rd in the country for access to mental health care providers and one in 20 adults in Iowa have serious thoughts about suicide a year.

On the other hand, more people than ever understand how critical mental health is for our overall well-being, and we’re starting to see the stigma surrounding mental illness fade somewhat, particularly among young people. To continue our progress on mental health, however, we must work together to make a change in Iowa.

Most important is reducing stigma. Share your experiences with mental illness, be there for friends and family in need when they open up and spread the incredible resources our state has including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Be a voice against the judgment that faces those who struggle, because stigma is the greatest barrier to people seeking the help they need.

Advocate for policy change. The recently remade Behavioral Health System gives Iowans reason for hope, but there is more do. NAMI Iowa needs support on HF 385 and 312 to give people suffering from mental illness the tools they need when they leave facilities or be given more time in them when they need it.

We have a long way to go to reshape the landscape of mental health, but it’s worth the work to ensure every Iowan is free from stigma and has access to the mental health care they need.

Jami Haberl is executive director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative and Ryan Crane is executive director of NAMI Iowa.