Black Hawk County
Mental Health Resources

Making Mental Health a Priority

Mental Health was one of the top three perceived health problems in the most recent Community Health Survey and is a priority for Community Health Improvement. Our Mental Health and Trauma Task Team compiled resources about general mental health topics and ways to get help.

It’s a lot of more common than you may have thought to have a mental health condition. In fact, in any given year, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have a mental health condition and almost half will at some point in their lives. Mental illness – just like physical illness – is treatable. Counseling, therapy, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes are all options to improving your mental health. It’s hard to know where to start learning about mental health or how to get help. The Mental Health America website provides information on lots of mental health topics or scroll below for more in-person and online resources.

Source: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (2018)

Mental Health

Need Help Now?

It’s OK to talk about mental health

Make It OK to talk about mental health with friends and family members. Talking may make you feel less alone. Here are tips to help you become more comfortable talking about mental health.

How do we stop stigma?

Conversation. Try these simple tips for talking.

Do Say:

  • Thanks for opening up to me
  • How can I help?
  • Thanks for sharing.
  • I’m sorry to hear that, it must be tough.
  • I’m here for you when you need me.
  • I can’t imagine what you’re going through.
  • Can I drive you to an appointment?
  • How are you feeling today?
  • I love you.

Don't Say:

  • It could be worse.
  • Just deal with it.
  • Everyone feels that way  sometimes.
  • You may have brought this on  yourself.
  • We’ve all been there.
  • You’ve got to pull yourself  together.
  • Maybe try thinking happier  thoughts.
Source: Make It OK, Healthiest State Initiative.
Visit these sites for more information.

Learn More

Need more information? Click the box below to find mental health resources specific to Crisis Support, Youth, LGBTQ+, Black/African American, Native American, and Veterans. Mental health resources in Spanish and French , as well as mental health directories and education websites are also available.

Do you see a resource that is missing? Let us know by emailing publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov.