Every May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month—but this isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about giving ourselves and each other permission to slow down, to speak up, and to prioritize the mental and emotional well-being we all deserve.

At YWCA of Black Hawk County, we know that mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The women and families we serve are juggling a lot—jobs, caregiving, financial stress, discrimination, and in many cases, healing from trauma. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or like your mental health is on the back burner, you’re not alone.

Let’s talk about what real mental wellness looks like, how to take that first step, and where to turn when you need support—right here in Black Hawk County.

Mental Health in Our Community: A Closer Look

Mental health affects everyone—but the burden isn’t shared equally.

Women, especially women of color and single mothers, often carry invisible loads. Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common, but many don’t reach out for help due to stigma, lack of access, or the simple truth that there just isn’t time in the day. In fact:

• 1 in 5 women in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year.
• Research suggests that the Black adult community is 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems.
• Black emerging adults (ages 18-25) also experience higher rates of mental health problems and lower rates of mental health service utilization compared to White emerging adults, and older Black adults.

For many women in our community, mental health struggles are layered with financial insecurity, systemic inequality, and caregiving stress. And when you’re focused on taking care of everyone else, it’s easy to forget to care for yourself.

What Self-Care Really Means

Let’s bust a myth: Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s not about spending money on spa days or expensive getaways. Real self-care is about making space for yourself in your own life—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Here are 5 accessible, meaningful ways to practice self-care:

1. Set boundaries. Saying “no” can be a powerful form of self-respect.
2. Check in with yourself. Even five minutes a day to breathe, journal, or just be can ground your mind.
3. Move your body. Whether it’s a walk around the block, stretching in the morning, or joining a YWCA fitness class, movement helps regulate mood.
4. Reach out. Talk to a friend, family member, or counselor. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
5. Rest. Rest isn’t laziness. It’s fuel for your mind and body. Prioritize sleep, quiet time, and moments of stillness.

Local Resources to Support Your Mental Health

Whether you’re just starting your mental wellness journey or looking for additional support, there are local resources ready to help. Many are free or low-cost—and available to you.

YWCA of Black Hawk County Services:

• Fitness Programs – Physical activity supports both emotional and physical health.
• Childcare Services – Reliable care that helps give you time to rest or get help.

Community Mental Health Resources:

• Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center – Offers a range of therapy, psychiatry, and crisis support. Learn more.
• UnityPoint Behavioral Health – Counseling, outpatient services, and support groups. Learn more.
• NAMI Iowa – Free mental health education, peer support, and advocacy. Learn more.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime you need someone to talk to. Learn more.
• Therapy for Black Girls – An online directory of culturally competent therapists. Learn more.
• Riverview Center: 24-hour crisis hotline, legal, medical, and social service advocacy, long- and short-term counseling, trauma-informed therapy, transition and basic needs assistance. Learn more.
• Amani Community Services: Culturally specific support for African American survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, offering counseling, advocacy, and outreach services. Learn more.
• Waypoint Services: Support services for domestic violence survivors, as well as individuals facing housing instability and poverty. Learn more.

How YWCA Supports Mental Wellness Every Day

Mental health is woven into everything we do. Whether you’re walking through our doors for childcare, advocacy, or support, we aim to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported.

Here’s how we bring mental wellness into our work:

• Trauma-informed care: Our team is trained to recognize and support people affected by trauma.
• Safe spaces: Our programs are designed to foster healing and connection.
• Empowerment focus: We believe in your strength, and we’re here to help you rediscover it.

Our mission to eliminate racism and empower women includes fighting for accessible, dignified mental health support for every member of our community.

How You Can Support Others’ Mental Health

Looking to uplift others this month? Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Be a safe person. Let friends know it’s okay to talk about mental health with you.
• Check in. A simple “How are you really doing?” can go a long way.
• Share resources. If you know about YWCA or local services, tell others.
• Advocate. Speak up for better mental health care and equity in our systems.
• Volunteer or donate. Your support helps us keep vital programs running.

Take the First Step—We’re Here for You

Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but reaching out is a powerful first step.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you need someone to talk to, a referral, or just a place to breathe—we’re here. And if you’re ready to start focusing on you, even just a little bit at a time, that’s worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Mental Wellness

At YWCA of Black Hawk County, we believe that everyone deserves access to mental health resources, supportive communities, and the chance to live fully and freely. If you’ve been putting yourself last, this Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to begin again.

Take that deep breath. Give yourself some grace. And remember—we’re walking this road with you.

Explore more of our services and get support at www.ywcabhc.org.