Iowa family details struggle to find youth mental health care

As a CEO with a master’s degree, Amanda Wanke is prepared for almost anything. But she says nothing could have prepared her for how difficult it was to navigate getting help for her young daughter struggling with mental health challenges.Wanke, the CEO of Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, says her daughter, Norah, started showing signs of anxiety and depression at age 11. “The school called us and told us she had been researching suicide online. That was the moment it became very real and very serious, and we knew we needed more help,” Wanke said.Wanke says she and her husband felt lost when it came to finding the right resources for their daughter in Iowa. “We were looking for those types of programs where she could be at home and get more intensive help. There were not many of them, and there were long waiting lists,” said Wanke. Eventually, Norah received care at Orchard Place, a nonprofit in Iowa that provides inpatient and outpatient services for children and families. She stayed on campus for seven months. “You want to be with your child, but we also know we didn’t have all the skills and resources and support that she needed at home. I’m glad there is a place like this, and I’m glad the support is out there,” Wanke said. She highlighted the importance of the playground, greenhouse, and outdoor spaces at Orchard Place, along with therapy, in her daughter’s healing process. However, the journey was not without its challenges. “There were calls that have been, ‘I just don’t want to live anymore. I can’t do this anymore,’ and that hopelessness is the hardest thing. You want to be able to fix it,” Wanke said. According to the CDC, data from 2021 to 2023 shows that 40% of U.S. high school students reported feeling persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 16% reported making a suicide plan. Kari Zimmerman, chief program officer at Orchard Place, said social media and the COVID pandemic have contributed to the rise in intensity of mental health issues among children. “If a teenager is on social media at least three hours a day, that is doubling the chances of having some sort of mental health diagnosis. It’s increasing depression rates. It’s increasing anxiety rates,” Zimmerman said. Norah’s family credits the tools and support she received at Orchard Place for her progress. She even publicly shared her story at her high school graduation to let other teens know they are not alone. “She has an incredible empathy from all the things she has gone through that is allowing her to help others, and now in college, she is exploring all sorts of other interests. When you can see that spark of passion and excitement for the future, you want every kid to have that,” Wanke said.There is 24/7 help if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis. You can call or text the number 988. A trained professional will be there to help.Des Moines woman shares story of hope through random acts of kindness

DES MOINES, Iowa —

As a CEO with a master’s degree, Amanda Wanke is prepared for almost anything. But she says nothing could have prepared her for how difficult it was to navigate getting help for her young daughter struggling with mental health challenges.

Wanke, the CEO of Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, says her daughter, Norah, started showing signs of anxiety and depression at age 11.

“The school called us and told us she had been researching suicide online. That was the moment it became very real and very serious, and we knew we needed more help,” Wanke said.

Wanke says she and her husband felt lost when it came to finding the right resources for their daughter in Iowa.

“We were looking for those types of programs where she could be at home and get more intensive help. There were not many of them, and there were long waiting lists,” said Wanke.

Eventually, Norah received care at Orchard Place, a nonprofit in Iowa that provides inpatient and outpatient services for children and families. She stayed on campus for seven months.

“You want to be with your child, but we also know we didn’t have all the skills and resources and support that she needed at home. I’m glad there is a place like this, and I’m glad the support is out there,” Wanke said.

She highlighted the importance of the playground, greenhouse, and outdoor spaces at Orchard Place, along with therapy, in her daughter’s healing process. However, the journey was not without its challenges.

“There were calls that have been, ‘I just don’t want to live anymore. I can’t do this anymore,’ and that hopelessness is the hardest thing. You want to be able to fix it,” Wanke said.

According to the CDC, data from 2021 to 2023 shows that 40% of U.S. high school students reported feeling persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 16% reported making a suicide plan.

Kari Zimmerman, chief program officer at Orchard Place, said social media and the COVID pandemic have contributed to the rise in intensity of mental health issues among children.

“If a teenager is on social media at least three hours a day, that is doubling the chances of having some sort of mental health diagnosis. It’s increasing depression rates. It’s increasing anxiety rates,” Zimmerman said.

Norah’s family credits the tools and support she received at Orchard Place for her progress. She even publicly shared her story at her high school graduation to let other teens know they are not alone.

“She has an incredible empathy from all the things she has gone through that is allowing her to help others, and now in college, she is exploring all sorts of other interests. When you can see that spark of passion and excitement for the future, you want every kid to have that,” Wanke said.

There is 24/7 help if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis. You can call or text the number 988. A trained professional will be there to help.

Des Moines woman shares story of hope through random acts of kindness