May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you needed help, would you know where to turn? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults experience mental illness each year. Demi Johnson, behavioral health program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, says there are warning signs you may notice in yourself or others that indicate a need to seek help. Those signs include a drastic change in mood, behavior or personality; an increase in substance use; or ongoing difficulty in sleeping. Moreover, someone may be overwhelmed with intense worries or concerns that get in the way of daily activities.

For more information from Demi Johnson, visit Help a Friend or Yourself through a Mental Health Challenge/ News (iastate.edu)

Iowa Concern Hotline

Iowa Concern is a program of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The program began in 1985 as a toll-free number serving the agricultural community. Today, Iowa Concern serves both urban and rural Iowans. Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at no cost.

Iowa Concern has access to an attorney for legal education, stress counselors and information and referral services for a wide variety of topics.

Contact the Hotline-toll free at 1-800-447-1985