May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is More Good Days, Together. According to Mental Health America, this theme encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, estimates that one in five adult Iowans live with some form of mental illness. According to Mental Health America (MHA), Iowa ranks fifth in the nation with higher rates of access to care. Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a driving force in addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. 

There are free confidential resources available for farmers and farm families. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson talks about the confidentiality of Personal Assistance Services, “We really don’t track anything. So there is no good way for us to know how many, or what is being talked about. I mean all of this, all of these conversations are confidential. Whether they are one on one with a real person or just reading articles, there’s really not a good metric there and that’s not really the design. It is just there to be helpful for folks when that service is needed.” 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by dialing 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org with online chat services available. 

https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Stress-Mental-Health-Resources/Personal-Assistance-Services-PAS