Connecting You To Resources!
When you have a problem with your heart, you go to a cardiologist. When you have a toothache, you go to the dentist. When you break your leg, you see your family doctor. So why do we hesitate to get help when we have a problem with our mental health? Unfortunately, we may believe that we should "snap out of it," "pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps," or just "buck up."
This kind of thinking is shame-based, and rather than healing, it makes our mental health problems worse.
The Mental Health Task Force of Polk County is committed to challenging negative attitudes about mental illness and reducing the stigma of seeking treatment.
We can help you find answers to some of the most common mental health questions and connect you to resources in your community.
There is help!
May is Mental Health Month
The Mental Health Task Force of Polk County joins Mental Health America in celebrating "May is Mental Health Month," which began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all. Click here to view articles written by Task Force members that will appear in local papers this month to raise awareness about mental health issues and treatment.
Lifelines Training
Thanks to all who funded, organized, conducted, and attended the program Lifelines: A Comprehensive Suicide Awareness and Responsiveness Program for Teens on May 3rd and 4th. Through a grant from the Andersen Foundation, Hazelden Publishing collaborated with the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County to bring Lifelines training and curriculum to all of the middle and high schools in Polk County. Maureen Underwood, Lifelines author, provided training. The
training was also sponsored by CESA 11 Head Start and held in the new
state-of-the-art conference center. Thanks to all of you!
If You Are Contemplating Suicide or Experiencing an Emergency:
This website is a learning tool. If you are experiencing an emergency:
- Go to the nearest Emergency Room
- Call the National Suicide Hotline Numbers: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Call 911
- Call the Northwest Connections Crisis Hotline at 1-888-552-6642 for emergency mental health or alcohol/drug abuse crisis assistance. Learn more about Northwest Connections
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