One of MOLA’s partners, the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), is helping our communities by offering virtual support groups and bilingual resources to help us recover from violence-related trauma. NAMI states: “Violence-related trauma undermines our sense of safety and can damage our mental well-being. While mental illness is a contributing factor in only 4% of violent crimes, the effects of violence are universal, and are not limited to people who were physically harmed or present at a violent event. It is OK not to be OK!”
To learn more about NAMI’s free Virtual Support groups, please email [email protected]
Resources for Parents
- Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (en Español)
- Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other News Events
- Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (en Español)
- Helping Your Child Cope with Media Coverage of Disasters (en Español)
- Talking to Teens When Violence Happens (en Español)
- National Traumatic Child Stress Network
- Tips for educators and parents in talking to children about violence
Other Emotional Support Resources
Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990: Spanish-speakers should press ‘2’ for 24/7 bilingual support. Staff is trained to help people through large traumatic events including mass shootings.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – bilingual operators are available. If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal or are experiencing an acute mental health crisis, do not hesitate to call. If you or a loved one are in imminent danger, please call 911.
Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is available 24/7 by texting the word ‘TALK’ (or ‘HABLAR’) to 552020. You will be called by a trained mental health professional from your own community within 24 hours of your support. Participation is anonymous – your information is used only to help you make the connection.
The Illinois Warm Line is available for caring support for mental health and/or substance use challenges at 866-359-7953. Monday-Saturday 8 to 8, except holidays.
The NAMI HelpLine, 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) is open 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday. You will speak with trained volunteers who will listen, answer questions, and help you find local resources. Visit our interactive map to find any of our 19 Illinois NAMI affiliates.
NAMI Illinois is the statewide organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots network working to support individuals and families whose lives are touched by mental health concerns In the Highland Park area our closes affiliates are: NAMI Lake County and NAMI Cook County North Suburban, NAMI Barrington Area, and NAMI McHenry County. All 19 Illinois affiliates continue to work hard to offer support in these challenging times. Visit the interactive map at www.namiillinois.org to find your local affiliate and follow NAMI Illinois on Facebook or LinkedIn for updates