Mental Health America of Illinois

Feeling depressed? The last thing you need is alcohol We associate alcohol with celebrations. From a few drinks after the office on a Friday to wedding feasts, alcohol is a prominent part of many cultures. But it’s also well known that alcohol isn’t exactly good for you. Even the long-held belief that a glass of red wine a day has health benefits h...

MHAI Talks - New Episode!
⭐️ Access for all in Illinois with guest Jessica Gimeno
Listen here: www.mhai.org/podcast

Jessica Gimeno shares a powerful message about the protections and advocacy that Access Living provides the disabled community.

As a Mental Health Policy Analyst, she closely follows initiatives and legislation that make Illinois a more inclusive state for everyone -this includes CESSA (Community Emergency Services and Supports Act).

CESSA benefits people experiencing a mental health crisis as mental health professionals (not law enforcement) respond to individuals in need. CESSA is still being implemented in Illinois.

9-8-8 is the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline for mental health emergencies. Call or Text any day or any time. It's available, 24/7.

Are we paying enough attention to men's health?

Whether through cultural stigma or other reasons, men are less likely to seek out help when they face mental health challenges.

What can we do to support the men in our communities?

Read our latest blog article for information.

How can we better support men’s mental health? Men who are struggling don’t ask for help as frequently as women. A report by the National Institute of Mental Health found that 40% of men who have a mental illness received mental health care services in a calendar year, compared with 52% of women.And the lack of treatment can have serious conse...

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. If you’re struggling with addiction or recovery, Mental Health America’s peer support specialists are here to help.

To try it, text "hello" to 703-643-4554. Our line is FREE (for United States residents) and operates from 10 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific), Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

P.S. This line is more than a one-time conversation or crisis text line. Our peers will stay with you and help you on your journey for as long as you need them. 💙

Thank you to the Elevance Health Foundation for supporting this program.

Happy Independence Day!

⭐️ Remember

Our Country is free, and so are online, mental health tests from Mental Health America!

Go to MHAScreening.org to take an anonymous mental health test. Tests are available for various conditions. Some tests are available in Spanish.

June is Men's Health Awareness Month.

It's a great time to celebrate men's health and wellness by sharing information and resources that support their mental health!

Follow this link for resources and info: bit.ly/3zpojSf

Sometimes the best thing we can do is to provide space to sit with a person in their distress. Being present, understanding and listening is how we practice true empathy and offer support.

Now at Legler Branch Library, in the Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, residents can speak with a licensed counselor.

Garfield Park library gets its own dedicated mental health counselor In an attempt to meet people where they are, Chicago now has a licensed professional counselor at the Legler Regional Library.

Join Mental Health America at lunchtime (12:00pm CT) today for Relax and Restore: Yoga, Breathwork & Mindfulness.

This is a free, restorative webinar celebrating the International Day of Yoga.

During the hour, participants will explore breath, quiet the mind, and gently move the body, guided by Radiance Basden, a seasoned expert in yoga and mental health.

Click this link for more info: bit.ly/3XxczXT

Guarding your Joy: Keeping your mental wellness high on your agenda -
A June 2020 article by Julio J. Fonseca a self-identified out, q***r, cisgender, Latinx man.

"As I write this, I am having a good day. And I must acknowledge that I am working on how to have a positive day without feeling guilty when there seems to be an overabundance of suffering in the world."

To read his story:
https://mhanational.org/blog/guarding-your-joy-keeping-your-mental-wellness-high-your-agenda

LGBTQ+ Resources -
https://www.equalityillinois.us/lgbtq-resource-guide/

Mental Health and the New Father

"Between the challenges of fatherhood and societal pressures of masculinity, dads don’t always pay attention to their mental health after bringing a child into the family."

Watch Mental Health America's presentation on mental health for new dads or read the article here:
https://mhanational.org/mental-health-and-new-father

There are not enough counselors to respond to emergency crisis calls. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart responded to this problem by creating Treatment Response Teams.

Join us for a webinar Tuesday, June 11, at 11am to discuss his program. Click here to register for the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5LV05HjEQTutD4hZYdwzBw

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mental-health-counselors-911-sheriff-virtual-solution/

There aren't enough mental health counselors to respond to 911 calls. One county sheriff has a virtual solution. The Cook County Sheriff's Office aims to put mental health workers in the field virtually as cities grapple with alternative police responses.

Join Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI) and guest Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart for a conversation about his use of Treatment Response Teams (TRT) in our communities.

These teams are part of Cook County's nationally recognized Co-Responder Model program formed by Sheriff Dart in 2019. The TRT partners mental health professionals with law enforcement to provide support and assistance for people experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issues, and to break their cycle with the criminal justice system.

This online event, facilitated by attorney and MHAI board member Mark J. Heyrman, will explore how Cook County's Treatment Response Teams:

* Lower recidivism and jail populations
* Bridge social service gaps and support people in crisis 24/7
* Aid crisis intervention techniques used by law enforcement
personnel
* Encourage relationships among community stakeholders

REGISTER AT WWW.MHAI.ORG/EVENTS

Today we remember the great sacrifices of our fallen service men and women, and we do not forget those left behind to heal.

See our latest newsletter for grief and recovery resources. Follow this link: http://www.mhai.org/so/b2O_xRUPx?languageTag=en

As AAPI, We Need Therapists Who Look Like Us -
by Dr. Elissa S. Lee and Lillian Man, MSW/MPH.

"We’re tired of the statistics, so let’s just get it out there: Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPPI) are the least of any race to seek mental health help, although we need it."

Click here for the article: https://mhanational.org/blog/aapis-we-need-therapists-who-look-us

It is important to prioritize wellness in our everyday lives to maintain our health.

What other ways do you practice mental health that we all could adopt? Share in the comments.

Our friends at Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute are hosting a Mental Health in the Workplace Conference, Saturday, June 8, in Evanston.

The day-long conference will feature panels and breakout groups. Tickets start at $25, and include breakfast, lunch and a post-conference networking reception.

CEUs and Scholarships are available. For more info: https://naomicoheninstitute.org/conferences/2024-conference

The Institute's Executive Director, Tracy Levine, joined us on our podcast to talk more about the conference and her thoughts on how we might attract and retain more workers to the mental health field. Listen here: bit.ly/4bGSfHC

"A therapist can help you identify, learn, and build the skills you need or already have. This includes coping skills like processing stress, triggers, grief, and trauma. They can also help you build skills that help you better manage a mental health condition. For example, if you live with anxiety, therapy can provide you with ways to stay grounded and present in the moment to help you not get lost in your thoughts. The right therapist can help you gain the tools that you need to improve your mental health and your life."

https://screening.mhanational.org/content/should-i-go-to-therapy/

May is Mental Health Month! 🧠

If nothing else, it's a time to check in with ourselves and others and seek the resources, education or help needed to live healthy, productive lives.

We have conversations often with people who do not know how or where to get help when needed. Here's a start:

🧠 Mental Health America (MHA) offers free assessments for various conditions: www.mhascreening.org

🧠There are over 150 MHA affiliates throughout the United States. Like MHA of Illinois (MHAI) affiliates provide public and professional education, resources and legislative advocacy.

Find your closest MHA Affiliate: bit.ly/3QCAgKn

🧠 Use our mental health map to decide where to go for assistance and information:

Do you suspect your child may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Don’t try to manage on your own. Getting an official diagnosis is a vital first step that gives you access to a range of support that will help your child – and protect your own mental health.

This is what Cynthia discovered after her daughter, Sadie, began showing signs of autism at a young age.

Read our latest article to discover their story. Click below:

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why your child needs an official diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability, which has a life-long impact on those who are diagnosed with it as well as their families. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with ASD find it challenging to communicate and interact, may have restricted interest...

Youth Mental Health

Just as we can help prevent a child from catching a cold or breaking a bone, or advise teens on college choices, we can help prevent the young people in our lives from developing serious mental health problems and encourage them along paths of wellness.

Learn how to better understand their stressors, risks, and what steps to take to address them.

When to Be Concerned: Signs of Mental Health Conditions in Children and Teenagers:
https://bit.ly/4a1O8V5

Youth Mental Health Test:
https://bit.ly/3UL5QrS

Parent Test:
https://bit.ly/3QuEEe9

When to Be Concerned: Signs of Mental Health Conditions in Children and Teenagers The expert insights in this article are provided by Joyce Bartz, LCSW, Retired Assistant Superintendent for Special Services of Evanston/Skokie District 65 and Board Member, MHANS (Mental Health America of the Northern Suburbs). Taking care of children and teenagers comes with unique challenges at s...

Workplace stress affects millions of Americans. How can you regain control of your mental health?

Workplace stress: Are you wearing yourself out? The United States of America was built on the concept of hard work. It is a main facet of the “American Dream” – this idea that anyone can become financially successful and achieve upward mobility through hard work and perseverance. This aspiration remains both viable and true for many citizen...

Adult Autism: Seeking an Official Diagnosis

Read about one woman's 10-month journey through tests and resources to get an official and correct diagnosis for herself.

https://mhanational.org/blog/adult-autism-seeking-official-diagnosis

⭐️ New Episode: MHAI Talks

Dr. Dimple Patel is many things. She's a proud, first-generation Indian-American, a daughter, sister, mental health advocate and a su***de loss survivor.

Through the struggles of a tragedy, Dimple confronted many emotions, including the courage to step beyond her South Asian traditions to create a place of healing and purpose for her life.

In this episode, we discuss the impact that a death by su***de can leave on survivors, as well as some signs of depression and su***de risk signs in others or yourself.

You can follow Dr. Patel on Instagram where she advocates and educates on mental health and su***de prevention at .

Also, call or text, 9-8-8 from anywhere in U.S., if you or someone you know, is in mental health crisis.

Listen or share this important message from here https://bit.ly/3vKNDRq , Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Wednesday Webinar: Building A Framework For Developing A Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Program

March 27, 10:30 CT/11:30 ET

Learning Objectives

1. To provide a framework and mental health resources for schools
that will support students’ needs and academic success.
2. To provide a road map for the evaluation, planning,
implementation, and sustainability of a school-based mental
health services program, while also addressing challenges and
barriers to implementation.

This is a free webinar from our national partners at Mental Health America.

For more info and to register: https://mhanational.org/events/building-framework-developing-comprehensive-school-based-mental-health-program

Key points of article:

▪️Everyday ageism is a common feature of life, especially in the current political climate.

▪️A U.S. survey on exposure to ageist messages shows its potentially harmful effects on well-being.

▪️Three steps to combatting everyday ageism can help you and those you care about find greater fulfillment.

3 Ways to Overcome Everyday Ageism ... including what to do about ageist jokes.