May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/warning-signs-and-symptoms/, an estimated 43.8 million American adults suffer from mental illness each year. Some symptoms of depression are easy to spot, including excessive sadness or depression, excessive worry or fear, changes in eating habits, and thoughts of suicide, among others. 988 is a 24-hour mental health hotline. The hotline is also free and confidential.
Your Life Iowa is another mental health resource that helps clients with substance abuse and gambling issues, as well as mental health and suicidal thoughts. You can reach us 24/7 at 855-581-8111.
Jefferson County also has a number of local mental health agencies. These include Optimae Behavioral Health, River Hills Behavioral Health Clinic, SIEDA Behavioral Health and treatment Services, Southern Iowa Mental Health, and Jefferson County Health Mental Health. Their contact information, Your Life Iowa’s and 988 Mental Health Hotline, can be found below.
Mobile crisis response service: 988
- Your Life Iowa: yourlifeiowa.org or 855-581-8111
- Optimei Behavioral Health: 641-472-5771
- River Hills Behavioral Health Clinic: 641-451-6380
- SIEDA Behavioral Health and Treatment Services: 641-472-6140
- Southern Iowa Mental Health: 641-682-8772
- Jefferson County Health and Mental Health: 641-472-8637
