The national average share of adults that reported having anxiety and/or depression this year, according to Mental Health America, is around 24.2%. The percentage for South Dakota is 35.9%. When it comes to a diagnosable mental illness, nearly one in five residents suffer. Furthermore, just under half (49.5%) of residents receive no treatment for mental health disorders.
Fortunately, there’s help. No shortage of providers (or shortage of funds) should ever prevent you from getting the help you deserve. The following resources are free of charge, confidential, and available to all South Dakota residents. Help yourself or someone you love today.
The National Mental Health Hotline
If you need to connect with a mental health specialist, call 1-866-903-3787 right now. A trained professional will take your call and assist you however she or he can. A world of resources is waiting for you. The hotline is available to all US residents and operates on a 24/7 basis.
South Dakota DSS
The state Department of Social Services offers, through its mental health-specific website, a multitude of free and local resources. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of other resources as well.
NAMI Helpline & More
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a wealth of resources, including the NAMI Helpline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-950-6264 or by emailing info@nami.org. Although the helpline is only available Monday through Friday from 10AM until 8PM EST, there is a 24/7 text-line available. Simply text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 for assistance.