Resources for mental illness found in JC

To the Editor,

As our state government looks at ways of restructuring mental health services for all Iowans, it is a good time to remind people that United Way of Jasper County has many resources that can help a family in crisis when they have a loved one affected by some type of mental illness. There are many different types of mental illness, and one in four families will have a member that will need some help dealing with this issue. Whether you are dealing with the stressors of mental illness or are living with and helping take care of a loved one, there are many ways to cope and there are numerous organizations that can help you cope with these family issues.

• The first thing you want to do is to educate yourself about mental illness, treatments and services.

• As a caregiver, you need to always remember to take care of yourself as well as your loved ones. You will not do anyone any good if you get sick because you are not taking care of yourself.

• Acknowledge the fears you are having. Be honest about your feelings and share them with someone.

• Get involved with a local mental health group. This way you will not be alone, and you will know that there are others that are there to help you and your family.

• Contact NAMI IOWA (National Alliance on Mental Illness — Iowa) at (800) 417-0417.

Let United Way of Jasper County be a resource for you and your family in these difficult times. Visit their website, www.unitedwayofjaspercounty.org/,
for help and suggestions. United Way of Jasper County has a Resource Directory that will show you numerous groups and agencies that can help you or your family members with problems that you may be having with substance abuse problems, mental health issues, counseling, domestic violence, education and many other areas where you would like assistance or need services. These services can also be reached by calling 211 on your phone.

Jeff Hoebelheinrich

Healthy Community Impact Team member