Like so many of the millions of people in this world, I too have struggled with mental illness in my life. But I’ll never forget how I felt when my doctor said “Patrick was a high functioning individual before his diagnosis. There’s no reason to believe he won’t be able to achieve that same level of success moving forward in life”. These hopeful words allowed me to see how I could regain control of my life and learn to manage my symptoms during the onset of my illness.
Read MoreNAMI Chicago’s own Brenda Bahena is here to chat about mental health behind the salon chair. Whether you’re a hair professional, nail tech, or in another client-facing profession, Brenda helps outline useful tools, tips, and tricks for you to feel confident and supported in your work!
Read MoreToday, 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.
Read MoreStarting 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.
Read MoreToday, 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.
Read MoreBody 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.
Read MoreSeptember 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?
Read MoreNAMI 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreOur 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.
Read MorePolicy 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.
Read MorePolicy 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.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreNAMI Chicago is proud to announce today the launch of a brand-new online educational resource for youth and families: NAMIChicagoYouth.org!
Read More“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.”
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreOur 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.
Read MoreCognitive 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.
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