The recent surge of ICE agents has had a toll on Minnesotans' mental health
Minnesota's ICE surge is leaving many with strong feelings of fear and anxiety.
Many in the community and mental health experts are finding ways of handling it.
"I mean, my last six therapy sessions have been basically all talking about this," said Nate P.
"It really wears on people. It's kind of always in the back of your mind, and it's hard to not think about it," said Angela Keppel.
Fear and uncertainty are taking a toll on the community, with many unsure of how to cope.
Mental health concerns are on the rise as immigration enforcement plays out in Minnesota and across the country.
"We're seeing the images, it's hard to look away," said Marcus Schmit, executive director of NAMI Minnesota. "People are feeling helpless, as they watch friends, neighbors, kids impacted."
Schmit says the amount of calls into NAMI's helpline have significantly increased over the past month.
"That uptick is very concerning to us," he said.
In addition to the helpline, NAMI also offers various tips and workshops, ranging from how parents can talk to their children to the symptoms of trauma.
"So many Minnesotans are experiencing collective trauma and collective grief," he said.
Schmit says one of the best ways to deal with how many are feeling right now is to rely on each other.
"The way we're going to get out of this is together as one," he said. "I'm just so proud to be a Minnesotan right now and to watch my fellow Minnesotans provide that support."
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.
In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
