National Alliance on Mental Illness - Cook County North Suburban

It's officially November! We hope this month brings gratitude and reflection and that you join us for programs!

Here is a preview of what NAMI CCNS will be up to this month.

We are excited to announce our Winter 2025 Family-to-Family dates!

Winter 2025 Family-to-Family dates are January 8 - March 5, held on Wednesdays from 6:00 - 8:30 PM at the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Des Plaines.

Pre-registration is open NOW!!!

https://www.namiccns.org/education/nami-programs/family-to-family-of-adults/

A few more photos of NAMI CCNS at the NAMI Illinois State Conference.

Congratulations to Oxlip, a NAMI CCNS In Our Own Voice Speaker, for winning the "Above and Beyond" award! We appreciate everything you have done for us!

Thank you so much to Joshua Nathan of LifeStance Health, the Des Plaines Public Library, and everyone who joined us for the webinar, "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Adults and Kids".

For those who couldn't attend, the full webinar is now available on our website through our YouTube.

https://www.namiccns.org/webinar-library/

Hey BOO! We are here to remind you this spooky season that it's ok to ask for help 👻🎃❤

This time of season can be stressful, and you're not alone.

Whenever you may feel overwhelmed, try a few breathing exercises. This post outlines the technique of "box breathing". The simple act of taking a few minutes to notice your breathing can make a huge difference ❤

NAMI CCNS is having a webinar TONIGHT about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults and Kids, with Joshua Nathan.

Tune in at 7 PM to learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as some myths.

See you all tonight!

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4DHoH1W-Ts2mhQLupnyg3A

We had such an amazing time at the NAMI Illinois Conference this past weekend!

On Friday, our Program Director, Bri, presented on Youth and Young Adult Expansion and Inclusion. Then, a NAMI CCNS Support Group Facilitator, Jan, presented on how NAMI supports families of loved ones in crisis.

We also got to hear one of our In Our Own Voice Speakers, Susie, perform a song on Saturday.

This was a great reminder of how much NAMI is doing to improve the lives of those living with a mental illness and their families. We really are disarming the stigma and making a difference!

A reminder for your Friday afternoon - You Matter, You Are Loved, and You are Not Alone!

Did you know we have a newsletter?!

We send an online newsletter every month with updates on events, programs, and more. It's a great way to know what NAMI CCNS is doing and chances for you to get involved.

Scan the QR code to join!

The NAMI CCNS Webinar "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Adults and Kids" with Joshua Nathan will be held on October 23 at 7:00 PM via Zoom!

Joshua will give an overview of the symptoms, diagnostic process and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and minors. Joshua will try to explain the complexities in diagnosing and treating ADHD, and well as dispel some myths related to this disorder. Additional resources of information about the disorder will also be shared.

Make sure to register!

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4DHoH1W-Ts2mhQLupnyg3A

We wanted to share a few more photos from the Go Lime Green Game Night at Niles West High School. These photos really capture the spirit of the students and their support for mental health awareness!

We can't wait to continue Go Lime Green across the northern suburbs of Chicago!

A few weeks ago, NAMI CCNS presented Ending the Silence to the sophomore class at Buffalo Grove High School. We were so happy to be back again this year and talk to students about what mental health conditions are, how to get support, and share personal stories.

We are so excited to announce a NEW support group - Parents of Teens.

This is a free virtual support group for parents, caregivers, or persons responsible for caring for teens showing signs of mental health challenges, including anxiety or depression.

This is a chance to connect with local parents experiencing similar challenges with their high school students.

This group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm CST. Led by two NAMI Family Peer Group Facilitators.

Advance Registration Required. Adults-only, confidential space.

First session: TONIGHT - Thursday, October 10th at 7:00 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtceupqDIuHdwbrXQ7WUVzzG1oK7Wqe-mr

Everyone deserves a support system and access to the resources they need to thrive. This , check on your loved ones and be honest with them about how you’re feeling, too. Every open conversation brings us closer to community.

On Sunday, NAMI CCNS provided Teen Mental Health First Aid to the Skokie Public Library!

This training helps people support those aged 15-18 with mental health challenges.

Thanks so much for having us!

Mental health is important in all aspects of our lives, including in professional settings. That’s why we’re putting it first this and ! Let’s make our workplaces . Share how you prioritize Mental Health at Work!

A few more lovely moments from NAMIWalks CCNS 2024. We love our community so much! It was so inspiring to see everyone show their support for mental health awareness.

NAMIWALKS CCNS is TOMORROW!!! We will be walking rain or shine, so please bring a poncho or umbrella.

We can't wait to see you all and walk for mental health!

Gallery Park in Glenview (2412 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026)

Registration at 8:45 AM
Program at 9:45 AM
Walk at 10:00 AM

We are just TWO DAYS AWAY from gathering at Gallery Park in Glenview for NAMIWalks CCNS to advocate for mental health awareness. We have a lot of fun surprises planned, including gift cards for our top individual donors! It's not too late to register for free.

https://www.namiwalks.org/event/ccns

NAMIWalks CCNS is 9 DAYS AWAY!

We will have some fun activities for walkers to do - including a giant green ribbon and a "mental health for all" sign for pictures, and prompt cards for you to customize.

We hope to see you there!

https://www.namiwalks.org/event/ccns

The NAMI CCNS Webinar "The Relationship Between Mental Health and Substance Use" with Erin Tegge of PEER Services is TONIGHT!

Erin will look at the relationship between mental health challenges and substance use among teens and adults. We will dive into various substance use trends, motivations for use and non-use, and how mental health adds complexity in understanding, preventing, and treating substance use disorders.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oPatAiDrQwqc5st5PcXlcA

We have begun Go Lime Green week at Niles West High School. NAMI CCNS is involving students in discussions of mental health and su***de awareness all week through the Friday night football game. Today students signed our name and decorated school windows with their thoughts! So proud to be involved.