Iowa mental health advocates offer pandemic burnout resources
Many people are feeling worn out with the constant COVID-19 news.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa says one in three American adults reported experiencing depression or anxiety since the pandemic began.
You could be feeling physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches, or maybe an overriding feeling of anger.
NAMI Executive Director Peggy Huppert says that's why Iowans need to know when to ask for help.
She said no one should feel like they have to deal with that level of stress by themselves. Huppert said one positive step can be as simple as understanding what makes you feel recharged. That could be meeting up with friends on a patio to have a drink, watching TV or going for a walk with your dog.
Having that outlet every day will help you cope with all that is going on in the world that's out of your control.
"There's a huge dichotomy, there's a real difference in how different people are viewing this and what their response is, and that adds to the angst," Huppert said.
You can go to namiiowa.org for more resources.
NAMI's big walk is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at Terra Park in Johnston.
KCCI is sponsoring the walk, and our own Steve Karlin will be there.