Take care of your mental health. It’s OK to ask for help.

More than 500,000 Iowans are currently living with some form of mental illness.

Some of those 500,000 kids and adults seek help and treatment. Others, in part because of the stigma surrounding mental illness, do not. For a while, I was one of those people.

I grew up in a loving home. I got good grades, played varsity sports, and went to college with several scholarships. But in college, my life spiraled out of control. I fell deeper and deeper into addiction. I lived out of my car in the middle of winter and I even attempted suicide. I was arrested for several felonies and misdemeanors.

I knew I needed help and, unlike many others, I was given a chance to get my life back on track. 

I went to intensive residential inpatient treatment. During those 15 months, I found my heart again. After finishing, I stayed on staff at that same program as an intern, eventually moving on to become the executive director. I became a father to two beautiful children and earned a degree in psychology.

I believe in second chances and in getting the help you need to build a better life. That’s why I came onboard at LSI’s Beloit Residential Treatment Center.

I serve as the Residential Manager at Beloit. Every day, I work with some of Iowa’s most vulnerable kids. They have often experienced neglect, trauma, substance abuse, and physical abuse beyond comprehension. But they are finding the hope and healing they need. They regularly receive treatment from expert therapists, and they’re each finding their own way to thrive.

I admire the bravery and strength of every child at Beloit. They are asking for help and a strong support network as they treat their mental illness. But I know that’s not the case for everyone.

The prevalence of mental health issues – combined with concerns like bullying, substance abuse, and other social toxins impacting Iowa children – all underscore the need for more mental health intervention and treatment in Iowa. As a state and as a community, we need to ensure every Iowan feels loved, supported, and empowered to take control of their mental health.

If you or a loved one feel like you’re experiencing a mental illness, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait. Talk to your doctor. Be open with your family and friends and build a strong support network. It’s OK to ask for help.