A Letter from an Eyerly Ball Patient: Fall 2023

Dear friend,

You don’t know me, and I don’t know you. But I am someone’s family member, friend and neighbor. I am also someone who suffers with psychosis.

Imagine waking up and feeling confused between what is really happening around you and what you are making up in your mind.

For me, I’ve spent my whole life seeing, hearing and imagining things that were not actually happening. Every day, I hoped my hallucinations would go away and every day, nothing changed.

You can imagine how mentally and physically draining this can be.

Thankfully, I have people like you.

Because of you, I am receiving treatment at Eyerly Ball, one of the best mental health facilities in the state of Iowa.

Eyerly Ball offers a wide array of mental health services and treatments from family and individual counseling to psychiatric assessments for all ages. And the reality is, our community has an overwhelming need for mental health services. The team at Eyerly Ball is dedicated to working and continuing to meet the needs of their clients, no matter what.

You can support the programs and services at Eyerly Ball. Let me tell you how…

I was in a continuous cycle of feeling exhausted and depressed. I thought the only way to shut the voices and thoughts off in my head was to end my life. Over the course of two years, I attempted suicide more than 20 times, and I checked in to an inpatient psychiatric center nine times. I was tired of feeling confused and wanted to get my life back on track.

The RESTORE Program changed my outlook on life. This program at Eyerly Ball helps individuals like me who have suffered from a psychotic episode and provides intensive therapy. It connected not only me, but also my family, with a therapist, psychiatrist and community members who are also going through similar struggles.

When you make a gift, you give individuals like me a second chance at life.

Mental illness is one of the biggest health issues facing our community. One in five Iowans struggle with a mental illness, yet less than half are receiving the care they need.

For more than 50 years, Eyerly Ball has been a leading community mental health provider. They are committed to providing comprehensive and effective mental health services that help individuals achieve their optimum level of independence and success.

Will you save a life by supporting the programs and services at Eyerly Ball?

As I write this letter to you, I am in a better place than I was two years ago. I work full time, have two cats named Ben and Jerry and feel loved by my friends and family. In my free time, I love taking art classes with my girlfriend and sitting outside to watch the sunset in the summertime.

You are the reason I am here today. Your generosity has provided me with this life-changing care. Please know 100% of every dollar you give goes directly to the programs and services, helping individuals like me.

Your support has made me feel less alone in my mental health journey. This fall, I hope you make a meaningful difference through a gift to Eyerly Ball.

Thank you,
Anonymous Patient
Eyerly Ball RESTORE Program

P.S. One in five Iowans struggle with mental illness, yet less than half are receiving the care they need. Your support of mental health programs, services and resources is what our community needs now more than ever! You are giving so much more than just a donation. Make a gift online today using the link below. Thank you for bringing hope and healing to our community.

DONATE ONLINE: bit.ly/RESTORE2023