Linn County, IA

05/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2024 09:46

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. One in five American adults experiences a mental health condition each year and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.

Despite its prevalence, mental health remains shrouded in stigma, preventing many people from seeking help. Early intervention and access to quality care are crucial for managing mental health conditions and improving quality of life.

May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources.

Linn County is a proud Make it OK workplace and has long supported making it OK to talk about mental health and the important role mental health plays in our lives. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage all residents to:

  • Challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health
  • Create safe and supportive environments for open conversations about mental health
  • Seek help if they are struggling with their mental health and encourage others to do the same

5 Tips

While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard to know where to start when it comes to taking care of ourselves.

Here are five things you can do for your mental health this week:

  1. Make a list of five things you're grateful for today
  2. Practice positive affirmations.
  3. Start a conversation about mental health.
  4. Stay hydrated!
  5. Take a break from screens.

Everyone goes through rough periods, so it's important to take care of yourself and have healthy coping tools on standby to use when times get tough. It's also important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won't happen overnight.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also call the Linn County Mental Health Access Center at 319-892-5612 or visit in person at 501 13th St. NW in Cedar Rapids. Help is available 24/7 and no appointment is needed.

Together, we can create a community where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.