“You Are Not Alone.” This is a phrase that shows up often in our social media posts, on our website, in our other blogs posts, in presentations we give, and during our calls. So when I saw that same phrase as the amplified message for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) this month for Mental Health Awareness Month, I started reflecting on why this phrase is so important. It might seem like we use that phrase a lot, even too much at times. But it is the single most important thing we want every person experiencing abuse to know and feel assured of.
Our society is bringing more and more attention to the importance of mental health with each passing day, and that is amazing. However, with all that awareness, we also know getting access to mental health services is still next to impossible for many of those who need it the most – such as victims and survivors who experience mental health challenges at higher rates than other individuals. While we are not a replacement for formal counseling, we also want to make sure everyone gets the help they need. That’s why for the blog post this month, I want to talk about the ways in which the Iowa Victim Service Call Center (IVSCC) can be a resource for survivors of crime and abuse who need mental health support and aren’t sure where to find it.
For starters, IVSCC is staffed with trauma-informed victim advocates. We know trauma can look different for everyone and want to be there to help you through yours. Just because your hurt is different from someone else’s, doesn’t mean it is less valid or significant. Our advocates don’t take the place of licensed therapists, counselors, or other mental health professionals. If you need formal counseling and can afford to get help that way, you should. However, if you are a person who has been a victim of a crime or some type of abuse and need help unpacking that trauma – then IVSCC is here for you. And if paying for a counselor is a barrier for you, or you need help outside of your therapist’s normal operating hours, call or text us and we can refer you to financial resources who can help you pay for counseling sessions, as well as 24/7 mental health hotlines that are available when your therapist is not.
Our services are free and confidential. When you call us, you don’t have to pay a dime and what you say stays between us unless you are in imminent danger or give us permission to reach out to someone else on your behalf. We can certainly be a listening ear and talk you through some options that you might find helpful for your mental health. Or maybe you aren’t looking for any kind of feedback. Sometimes you just need to vent and get things off your chest, and that’s okay too!
We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether it is late at night, early in the morning, or on a holiday or anniversary, we have an advocate ready to help on the other end of the line. When you feel like you have no one, remember you have us.
We have a 24/7 text line as well. This means that if you’re deaf and don’t have access to an interpreter you can get in touch with us. If it’s late at night and you don’t want to wake up a child or a partner, but you need someone to help you because you are experiencing flashbacks to your trauma, you can text us. If you are spending time with family you don’t get along with but had nowhere else to go, you can text us to get things off your chest. If you are in a crowded room but feel all alone, you can text us. Whatever the situation, we are just a message away.
You are not alone. And maybe better said, with the Iowa Victim Service Call Center, you are NEVER alone. We answer every call and text and help every client to the best of our ability. We promise to be here for you, no matter the situation. Call 1.800.770.1650 or text “iowahelp” to 20121.