Blog

Today, we recognize the State of Illinois and many partners on being part of the national launch of 988. This new 3-digit code for a Suicide and Crisis Line is built to make it easier to find help during a mental health emergency. You can call or text 988 from any phone to reach a compassionate mental health counselor.

Starting July 16, 2022, people all over the United States will be able to dial 9-8-8 for someone to talk to if they’re having a mental health emergency. This launch is being celebrated as a big win for the mental health world. And it is an important step – but only a first step towards reimagining our mental health crisis response system. 

Today, January 24, 2022, NAMI Chicago is proud to announce the filing of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Appropriations Act, brand-new legislation that would provide $19 million in funding for mental health on Illinois’ college and university campuses.

Body image isn’t just about the size, shape, and the other physical features associated with a body. Body image is also how you see yourself in your relationships; how you see yourself in your life; and how you see yourself in your work and your future. Body image is integrally linked to self-image.

September is National Recovery Month, which “celebrates the gains made by those in recovery” with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. Here at NAMI Chicago, we hear confusion all the time about the word recovery. What does it mean? You don’t technically recover from a mental health condition - right?

NAMI Chicago is delighted to announce the publishing of our newest policy brief, detailing our recommendations to reform the approach to mental health needs within the criminal court system and state operated forensic system.

In honor of the ADA’s 31st birthday, we celebrate how the rights and well-being of people with mental health conditions were impacted by this important bill and the legislation that followed.

For our Women’s History Month blog, we are celebrating a sampling of the remarkable women throughout history from underrepresented identity groups whose stories are rarely told.

Our priorities are broken down into four broad issue areas: treatment availability, equity, prevention, and community supports. These four categories will guide NAMI Chicago’s advocacy over the next two years.

Policy News Update: This vision provides a platform to create a paradigm shift in the way mental health, substance use, and well-being are prioritized by policymakers.

Policy News Update: Before the pandemic, only a fraction of children who needed mental health treatment were able to access care. Now, it is likely even more difficult.

We do not have the luxury of walking into 2021, 2022, Saturday, Tuesday, Friday, without putting ourselves first, thanking ourselves, and actively working to build resilience in ourselves. To the painful, strict, intolerant, honest, 2020: thank you. You have been a teacher.

A comprehensive system to support our City's mental health must have several "levels of care" or intervention alternatives. It's not just about building out a better crisis system.

NAMI Chicago is proud to announce today the launch of a brand-new online educational resource for youth and families: NAMIChicagoYouth.org!

“I want to create spaces for youth to have dialogues about mental health, and to give them opportunities to talk about it in the classroom. And I want families to normalize having, and talking about, their emotions.”

For years, NAMI Chicago has discussed the need to build resilience in communities by addressing decades of trauma and inequity. We are pleased to share recommendations from the Chicago Mayor's COVID-19 Recovery Task Force that build on this work.

Our city is in pain. We at NAMI Chicago see you. We have seen resilience, and it is the city’s strength. We are encouraged by those leading through trauma. We are here to support you. We are listening.

Cognitive reframing might sound like a complicated brain surgery or a Jedi mind trick, but it’s not. What cognitive reframing actually is, is a set of basic exercises that restructures our more negative or anxious thoughts into thoughts that  feel less intense. 

If you’ve been having a lot of trouble getting good sleep during this pandemic, you’re not alone. Stress, sadness, and a stark change in routine can make it hard to get the sleep you need. Today, let's talk about it: the z’s you catch, the shut eye you need….S-L-E-E-P.