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New Book Offers Intimate Portrait Of Mental Illness In America

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1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to NAMI.

The U.S. is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with 1 in 5 Americans experiencing mental illness each year. 

Dr. Kenneth Paul Rosenberg set out on a seven year mission to put faces and stories to the numbers behind this growing crisis. In his book, “Bedlam: An Intimate Journey into America’s Mental Health Crisis," Rosenberg offers insights and remedies for what’s been called the greatest social crisis of the 21century and shares the personal impact of losing his own sister to mental illness years ago.

On this episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer talks with Rosenberg for an intimate look at mental illness in the U.S.. Rosenberg also takes questions from listeners who have personally interacted with the mental healthcare system in Iowa.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness offers 24/7 support for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. Reach NAMI via text by texting "NAMI" to 741741.

Katelyn Harrop is a producer for IPR's River to River and Talk of Iowa
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River