NAMI Metro Suburban

A guest came to the Living Room seeking extra support after being discharged from the hospital. He was admitted for depression and anxiety upon hearing his best friend died by su***de. The guest has been dealing with overwhelming feelings of grief while still struggling with his own personal recovery. When the guest arrived at The Living Room, you could tell he was going through a lot. The guest cried sporadically throughout the session and expressed feelings of being alone, and empty. “I swear, I feel like I am going crazy.” NAMI Metro Suburban Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) asked if guest had any coping wellness tools/skills/relaxation techniques for when she starts to feel overwhelmed, and guest could only name one and said it was hard to do.  The RSS encouraged him to talk and say anything they were feeling at that moment. Simultaneously, the RSS began to fill out a Wellness Plan with the information that was being told by guest. Together, the list of wellness tools grew to over 7 items. At the end, the guest noted that “I’m amazed at how much calmer I feel. I didn’t expect talking to someone would help this much.”  He was informed of the groups and later began attending. He said, “I love this extra support and knowing I’m not alone. I can’t believe the difference coming to the Living Room made.”

Join us at the NAMI Metro Suburban Living Room, where you can speak with a peer about wellness, stress, and mental health. We can link you to resources, provide crisis care, and offer education on wellness topics. Join us in a warm and welcoming space for individual and group support available for anyone 18 and over.

All services are free, and no insurance is needed. The La Grange and Summit Living Rooms are open 24/7 and The Broadview Living Room is open daily 12pm-8pm. Walk-in anytime or call us at (708) 524-2582 to speak with our team now. Services available in Spanish and English. To learn more visit https://namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/the-living-room/

We are your place for community mental health. A trusted resource for your wellbeing, offering: prevention, education, support, 24/7 crisis care, recovery, and hope.

Today is Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in America through the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating accomplishments, justice, and freedom for African Americans, as well as reflection on the continuing struggle for equity.

NAMI Metro Suburban remains committed to providing free community-based mental health support to everyone in our community. We support public policies that can reduce mental health inequities, like increasing access to culturally-informed, evidence-based mental health care, creating a more racially and ethnically diverse mental health workforce, and eliminating stigma, discrimination, and unconscious bias.

Always remember that every day is a NEW day!

To honor Juneteenth this year, NAMI Intern Mariah, will lead a special presentation, Wednesday 19th at 2pm, at . The presentation will highlight her experience writing ‘Learning to Love Through Pain,’ a book of poetry inspired by her story of mental health recovery. All are welcome!

Happy Father’s Day!👔 sending love to fathers of all kinds today and everyday.

“Pride is what transforms us from a collection of isolated heretics to a unified coalition fighting for one another. I staunchly maintain my pride in my community and my pride in myself. Shame attempts to drag me down every day. But I choose to stand in defiance. I choose to be proud.”🌈

-Nick Henry, NAMI Metro Suburban Team Member

To read the full blog head to namimetsub.org/blog

Are you an employer who is looking to fill open positions? Do you wish someone else could complete the candidate-sourcing process for you? Enter NAMI Metro Suburban’s Employment Support program.

Join us on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 12:30pm-2:30pm at 7604 63rd St Summit, IL 60501 for a Luncheon!

Please RSVP before Friday, June 14, 2024, by emailing Latesha Pike, LPC at [email protected]

NAMI’s team understands diverse employer needs. We seek to connect with employers and learn the hiring needs of the organizations and assist employers with sourcing qualified candidates to fill open positions. Our Employment Specialists can help with all human resources needs, which will decrease hiring cost for your organization. We pre-screen candidates to make sure that they qualify for the role. We work with potential candidates to identify barriers to employment and aid in overcoming those barriers. In addition, NAMI’s Employment Support program works with job seekers to provide professional mentoring and coaching throughout the networking, application, and interviewing process. We also provide ongoing support to our clients to help with job retention. Even better, there is no cost to employers!

This summer, with support from Mental Health Commission of Lyons Township, NAMI Metro Suburban is partnering with several park districts throughout Lyons Township to provide activities for 10-14 years olds registered in summer camp. NAMI has created mindfulness and resilience building activities and games to provide preventative skills for youth during the summer months. Early intervention and prevention has been found to be key in maintaining wellness among youth.

Today we are spotlighting our May Employee of the Month, Grants and Gifts Coordinator, Mark! This initiative aims to celebrate the hard work, dedication and positive impact of our colleagues.

Mark leads with passion in his purpose, excellence in his efforts, resilience, and resourcefulness. Since joining the Advancement Team in October 2023, Mark has submitted over 25 grant applications, renewal requests, and funding reports on behalf of NAMI programs and services, written countless thank you letters to donors and supporters, has become our NAMI donor database guru, and even managed to become fluent in our Gala’s fundraising platform, supporting the May event’s planning and prep during the busiest time of grant submission season throughout the spring. His nominee letter wrote: “When I think of Mark, I think of incredible thoughtfulness, profound thoroughness, and a willingness/openness to embark upon new things and unknown territory in the name of our NAMI mission. He demonstrates an ease of tackling new systems and helping to teach others. While doing this very important work for NAMI with a bright spirit, he is also just an all-around wonderful colleague!”

June is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness about PTSD, its effects, and how to support people who are experiencing symptoms. PTSD Symptoms include:

➡️Intrusive Memories- Flashbacks of reliving the moment of trauma, bad dreams and scary thoughts.

➡️Avoidance- Staying away from certain places or objects that are reminders of the traumatic event.

➡️Cognitive and Mood- Feeling numb, guilty, worried, depressed or like the world is “not real” (derealization). Difficulty remembering the traumatic event.

➡️Arousal or Hypervigilance- Being intensely startled by stimuli that resembles the trauma, trouble sleeping or outbursts of anger.

About 6% of the population experiences PTSD during their lifetime. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, please reach out for help. Our La Grange and Summit Living Rooms are open 24/7. Call or walk in anytime. You are not alone.

📍The Living Room in La Grange
4731 Willow Springs Rd.
La Grange, IL 60525

📍The Living Room in Summit
7604 63rd St.
Summit, IL 60501

📞(708)524-2582

You are worthy of love just as you are.

Embrace your true self and know that your worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions. You’re amazing, just the way you are.

📷:

Recently, a guest came into the Living Room because of her thoughts about su***de. The Guest said that she has continued thoughts of ways to end her life, but does not plan to act on them. “I validated her fears about the thoughts and shared how I live with similar intrusive thoughts,” said John, Living Room Team Recovery Support Specialist. The Guest described her feelings as empty, and explained that they can often exhaust her options of coping skills. She continued saying that she has tried multiple types of therapy and programs that weren’t helpful. John helped to remind the Guest of recovery tools and coping skills and what can be used to challenge negative thoughts. She talked about how she journals and uses art to cope at home. John related to these skills as an accomplished watercolorist and encouraged her to continue to use the Living Room as well as attend NAMI Metro Suburban support groups when she can. By the end of the session, the Guest was much more at ease, even laughing and using humor. “Thank you,” she said. “It’s nice when someone gets me,” John reminded her that NAMI Metro Suburban is open 24/7 and encouraged her to use The Living Room for support when needed.

Join us at the NAMI Metro Suburban Living Room, where you can speak with a peer about wellness, stress, and mental health. We can link you to resources, provide crisis care, and offer education on wellness topics. Join us in a warm and welcoming space for individual and group support available for anyone 18 and over.

All services are free, and no insurance is needed. The La Grange and Summit Living Rooms are open 24/7 and The Broadview Living Room is open daily 12pm-8pm. Walk-in anytime or call us at (708) 524-2582 to speak with our team now. Services available in Spanish and English. To learn more visit https://namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/the-living-room/

We are your place for community mental health. A trusted resource for your wellbeing, offering: prevention, education, support, 24/7 crisis care, recovery, and hope.

Anna celebrates her pride for being a NAMI intern in The CRSS Hub! Anna is a student from the College of DuPage CRSS Success Program and has a bright future supporting peers in their mental health recovery journey.

The CRSS Hub is NAMI Metro Suburban’s Internship Program that allows students a unique opportunity to gain valuable mental health field experience at the in Oak Park. Anna and many of our other fabulous NAMI interns are on the path toward obtaining the Certified Recovery Support Specialist credential for the state of Illinois! Anna, thank you for all you do!

HAPPY PRIDE! Every June, we honor the LGBTQIA+ liberation movement. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQIA+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. These recognitions are not only limited to one month, we celebrate PRIDE every day!

PRIDE is not just about inclusion, it’s about belonging and being held together in community. NAMI Metro Suburban is a compilation of community members from all different identities, expressions, and sexual orientations across the continuum. This June, we are not only celebrating PRIDE, and all the years of advocacy and fighting for equal rights, we are making a conscious decision to join in solidarity with one another. We are standing up for all people to exist as their true selves.

PRIDE is the binding agent that makes all of our differences come together. It is about being able to show up as your authentic self and know that you are radically accepted. PRIDE is at the core of what we do at NAMI. No matter if you are q***r or an ally, you are accepted here.

You belong. We are with you. You are never alone.

Have you attended one of our Sunday Drum Circles at the ? Atiba and Sheila host the Drum Circle every first and third Sunday of the month at 4pm (we will be drumming this Sunday June 2nd). Drums and instruments are provided. ALL are welcome! Come make music with us🎶

We had an eventful and mission-filled Mental Health Awareness Month. From canvassing at Metra train stops, to advocacy presentations, our annual gala, and everything in between. We continue to make progress in promoting mental health awareness. Every act, no matter how big or small, helps create compassion and understanding in our shared communities!💚

Our team always has a blast connecting with the community at outreach events like at ‘What’s Blooming on Harrison Steet’ in Oak Park, especially when we get to hang out with wonderful partner organizations like Mosaic Counseling and Wellness, LLC!

With 4 offices across Chicagoland (Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Oak Park, Orland Park), Mosaic Counseling and Wellness is a team of clinicians ready to help meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. To learn more visit https://www.mosaiccare.com/

Are you an employer who is looking to fill open positions? Do you wish someone else could complete the candidate-sourcing process for you? Enter NAMI Metro Suburban’s Employment Support program. NAMI’s team understands diverse employer needs. We seek to connect with employers and learn the hiring needs of the organizations and assist employers with sourcing qualified candidates to fill open positions. Our Employment Specialists can help with all human resources needs, which will decrease hiring cost for your organization. We pre-screen candidates to make sure that they qualify for the role. We work with potential candidates to identify barriers to employment and aid in overcoming those barriers. In addition, NAMI’s Employment Support program works with job seekers to provide professional mentoring and coaching throughout the networking, application, and interviewing process. We also provide ongoing support to our clients to help with job retention.

If you are interested in connecting with NAMI’s Employment Support team, please reach out to [email protected] or 708-524-2582 x104.

Today is Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who lost their lives in service to our country. For some veterans and service members, Memorial Day may be one of the most difficult days of the year. We can all make a difference and create a safe space for these individuals. The simple act of reaching out to a service member or veteran and asking, “How are you doing today?” may go a long way. When we reach out, it gives reassurance that they are not alone, and that their feelings are valid, whether they share them with us openly or not. If you are a veteran or service member who is struggling with their mental health, please reach out for help. Our Living Rooms in LaGrange and Summit are open 24/7, and our Broadview Living Room is open seven days a week 12pm-8pm. If you are looking for more targeted care, Headstrong Project provides free, easy-to-access, and effective trauma-informed mental health care for veterans and service members.

We are thrilled to share that Andrea, The Loft at Eight Corners Program Manager, has been honored with a spot on this year’s 30 Under 40 list by the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry! 🌟

With a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and linguistics from Purdue University and over ten years of experience as a public school teacher, she has dedicated her career to education and mental wellness. As the Program Manager at The Loft, she passionately delivers mental health education and support to teens. Her commitment to accessible mental health service is unwavering and has made a significant impact on our community.

Congratulations, Andrea! Your dedication and hard work are truly deserving of this recognition.

📸:

Recently, a guest called the Living Room to learn about our wellness groups. They sounded interested in joining the groups but shared how they have been experiencing depressive symptoms, negative thinking, and hopelessness that have impacted their quality of life. As a result, they have stayed inside of their home with little to no social interaction.

Socializing with others is something the guest mentioned many times that they crave but says that it is very difficult to do so. They said they do not know how to meet people who would be willing to socialize. Negative past experiences cloud their mind when attempting to reach out to others. RSS, Indigo, shared their own lived experience with depression and its impact on their social life. Indigo provided their perspective on what helped them overcome the obstacles of their mental illness, such as shifting the way a person thinks about failure and rejection. Indigo said, “people will not always like you, and that’s okay. Why would you want to share your time with someone who doesn’t appreciate you?” The guest responded positively to Indigo’s perspective. Indigo suggested that they call more often to the Living Room to increase their socialization. At the end of the session, the guest thanked Indigo and shared, “this was the highlight of my day!”

Join us at the NAMI Metro Suburban Living Room, where you can speak with a peer about wellness, stress, and mental health. We can link you to resources, provide crisis care, and offer education on wellness topics. Join us in a warm and welcoming space for individual and group support available for anyone 18 and over.

All services are free, and no insurance is needed. The La Grange and Summit Living Rooms are open 24/7 and The Broadview Living Room is open daily 12pm-8pm. Walk-in anytime or call us at (708) 524-2582 to speak with our team now. Services available in Spanish and English. To learn more visit https://namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/the-living-room/

We are your place for community mental health. A trusted resource for your wellbeing, offering: prevention, education, support, 24/7 crisis care, recovery, and hope.

You are stronger than you know. Keep going.

ASK A FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST: What do I do if I suspect my teen may be having suicidal thoughts?

Ask them directly, “are you thinking of su***de” and if they say yes, “do you have a plan or what you need?” Any yes answer mean your teen needs to be seen by a professional right away. If they have a plan or the means, call 911 or go to the ER directly. If they answer yes to suicidal thoughts but no plan, you can call a therapist, 988 or go to an ER. If they say no, and you are still concerned, you can talk to 988, a therapist or bring them to an ER if you think it’s necessary.

Our Family Support Specialist, Trina, is always here to answer your questions. If you or someone you know needs family support, please reach out to Trina at [email protected] or 708-524-2582 ext. 108.

You can also attend our Family Support Group; it’s for friends and families of someone with a mental health condition. The group meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at the (814 Harrison St. in Oak Park). We also offer Parent Support Groups for parents of tweens/teens. The in-person group meets the first Thursday of every month, 7-8:30 pm at (9049 Monroe Ave. Brookfield). Our virtual Parent Support Group meets the third Thursday of every month from 6-7:30pm. Visit the link in our bio for the zoom link.

SNEAK PEEK! Our Silent Auction for our 2024 Celebration of Hope Gala is full of great prizes! You can win things like a 7-day trip for two to Bali or a custom watercolor painting from Marie Murrell. We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow. Get your bidding engines ready.

Recently at our “Entendiendo Mi Biniestar” Spanish support group two participants shared touching feedback. One is a regular to our groups and the other has been very consistent as of late. During group we discussed topics like, asking for help and the importance of having a support system. Both participants had a similar outlook, saying it’s hard to find a place where you feel safe and have a connection with its community. One guest shared that she has continued to return to our services because she genuinely feels a connection to the Summit Living Room stating, “Yo siento una conexión con este lugar, los jóvenes que trabajan aquí, y las personas que llego a conocer.” (I feel a connection to the location, staff, and people I meet). The other guest shared that she has really found NAMI welcoming and safe saying, “Después de mi hospitalización, estuve buscando ayuda por todos lados, hasta que encontré a NAMI.” (After being hospitalized I looked everywhere for support and stopped looking once she found NAMI). Both participants expressed their sincere appreciation for RSS, Carlos, the team, and the discussions we have with them.

Join us at the NAMI Metro Suburban Living Room, where you can speak with a peer about wellness, stress, and mental health. We can link you to resources, provide crisis care, and offer education on wellness topics. Join us in a warm and welcoming space for individual and group support available for anyone 18 and over.

All services are free, and no insurance is needed. The La Grange and Summit Living Rooms are open 24/7 and The Broadview Living Room is open daily 12pm-8pm. Walk-in anytime or call us at (708) 524-2582 to speak with our team now. Services available in Spanish and English. To learn more visit https://namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/the-living-room/

We are your place for community mental health. A trusted resource for your wellbeing, offering: prevention, education, support, 24/7 crisis care, recovery, and hope.

Our Celebration of Hope Gala is SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets. Your contributions support the work of NAMI Metro Suburban in creating positive change and promoting mental health. We cannot wait to celebrate on Saturday!

Today we are spotlighting our April Employee of the Month, Shift Lead Bilingual Recovery Support Specialist, Nicolle! This initiative aims to celebrate the hard work, dedication and positive impact of our colleagues.

Nicolle’s impact is strongly felt throughout our entire organization. She has been a beacon of insight in the field of mental health, constantly doing what she can to learn more, and sharing that knowledge with others so that we may all better support the individuals we work with. Nicolle shows true dedication to diversity, equity, and to creating as welcoming a workplace environment as possible. She has been a bridge between our Summit and LaGrange locations, keeping communication open which allows all of us to perform at an even greater level. Nicolle displays a perfect blend of professionalism and compassion, while inspiring everyone around her. It’s an honor to have her as a colleague, and I have absolute trust in the field of mental health knowing such a remarkable person like Nicolle is a part of it.

Happy Mother’s Day!🌸 sending love to mothers of all kinds today and everyday.

Check out our May Mental Wellness Digest Newsletter 💚
https://conta.cc/3JQv8OE

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