Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. CARA cares! Let’s use this time for reflection, education, and de-stigmatization to foster understanding and support for those navigating the complexities of mental health challenges. From sharing personal stories to organizing our runs around mental health awareness, we can promote empathy and resilience. It's a reminder that mental health is integral to overall well-being, deserving attention, compassion, and action year-round.
Remember, you are not alone! If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are resources available at no cost to “find help, hope, and healing.”
Education Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The Lifeline offers free, confidential support and resources for individuals in distress, including a 24/7 hotline. Text or call 988 to speak with a trained counselor. Website: https://988lifeline.org/
​
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers a wealth of resources, including educational materials, support groups, and helplines for individuals living with mental illness and their families. Website: https://www.nami.org/
Mental Health America (MHA): MHA provides information, screening tools, and resources for mental health conditions, as well as advocacy initiatives and support programs. Website: https://www.mhanational.org/
Crisis Text Line: This 24/7 crisis intervention service provides free, confidential support via text message for individuals in crisis. Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
Headspace: Headspace is a popular app that offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to promote mental well-being and reduce stress. They also offer resources specifically tailored to different aspects of mental health. Website: https://www.headspace.com/
Therapy for Black Girls: This online space provides resources and support for Black women seeking mental health resources, including a therapist directory and a podcast discussing various mental health topics. Website: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a leading organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people. They offer a 24/7 hotline, chat, and text support. Test “START” to 678-678 to speak with a crisis counselor. Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers: These mental health centers offer care that provides support for emotional, traumatic, or behavioral difficulties. These services are provided free of charge to all Chicagoans. Website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/behavioral-health/mental_health_centers.html
Articles & Webinars
The Family Institute: Your mental health matters. Below is a list of quick, easy to read articles from licensed professionals at The Family Institute as well as some useful webinars. Whether it’s struggling through any one of life’s many stages, healing from trauma, repairing a broken relationship or learning to understand ourselves and loved ones better — taking care of our behavioral health is vital to our whole health and well-being. If you are in interested in learning more or booking an appointment online, check them out at https://www.family-institute.org/therapists-locations/get-started
​