#JustCheckingIn

We can all take part in Mental Health Awareness Month this May

It’s hard to know what someone else is going through, which is why one of the most important things we can do is ask. We can listen. We can be kind. We can support them.

Of course, we should ask ourselves how we’re doing too. Pay attention to your feelings. Know that people care. Tell yourself it’s alright to ask for help.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re asking you to connect with your friends, neighbors, family, community and yourself by #JustCheckingIn.

It’s as simple as performing a small gesture. Giving a token of appreciation. Providing an encouraging word. All of these actions show that you care, and in turn, let someone else know they are cared for—that’s a beautiful thing and it matters more than you’ll ever know.

  1. Gift and good deed ideasCHOOSE A GIFT: Make something or pick something out
    that someone is sure to like. Or just do something nice

  2. Download gift tag…CREATE YOUR MESSAGE: Download the #JustCheckingIn PDF and
    write something to let someone know why you’re thinking of them

  3. Share the warmth…DELIVER YOUR GIFT: Capture the experience and share it on social
    by tagging @namichicago and using the hashtag #JustCheckingIn

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 Great ideas for good deeds.

#JustCheckingIn gives you an opportunity to do something small that can
have a big impact. Here are just a few of the things you can do to get started.

 

A little goes a long way

Nice gestures:Take care of a task on your friend’s behalf, pick up groceries for a neighbor in need, offer a family member a ride to the store. 

Kind words:Give an unexpected compliment, send a message of encouragement, or leave hand-written letter on the porch.

Little treats:Deliver some homemade cookies, bake a pie, or drop off some candy to let someone know you’re thinking of them.

Thoughtful gifts:Pick a pretty flower on your daily walk, pick up something a friend is sure to love, or give a family member a small token to show you appreciate them.  

Quality time:Plan an outdoor activity, cook together over Zoom, or schedule some time to skip the small talk and get real.

Focus on yourself: Reflect on what you need in your own life, reach out to others when you need support, and make time for the things that mean the most to you. 

 
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 Leave a lasting impression

Download our #JustCheckingIn tags or write one out on a piece of paper.
Once you’ve done that, attach them to any gifts you deliver or leave one behind
when you perform a good deed. Keep it going by encouraging your recipients
to pay it forward by reaching out to someone they know.

 
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 Put your positivity on display

Capture your #JustCheckingIn moment and share it with NAMI Chicago
on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join these events and start #JustCheckingIn

Throughout the month of May, we’re inviting everyone to attend these free
sessions that focus on learning, connecting and taking steps to improve mental
health and wellbeing for yourself and in your community.

 

NAMI Chicago Events


#JustCheckingIn on YourselfThursday, May 13 | 5:30-6:30 P.M.

Robyn Rabicke of NAMI Chicago and meditation/mindfulness teacher Kate Ryan will help you gain a deeper understanding of guided meditation and journaling while providing practical tips for self-care.

Register

#JustCheckingIn on Community: Black Mental Health & Recovery Tuesday, May 25 | 6:00-7:00 P.M.

This month’s Recovery Speaker Series event is features Chicago leaders, including Camesha Jones of Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness, discussing everything from the pandemic to racism. We’ll examine the challenges facing the Black community, how they impact Black mental health, and explore strategies for recovery and resilience. Open to attendees of all backgrounds.

Register

#JustCheckingIn at Home: Share a Meal, Share a ConversationWednesday, May 26 | 6:00-7:30 P.M.

NAMI Chicago is partnering with the Larger than Life Foundation to bring you a fun, interactive workshop around food, body and mental health. Join us for a virtual cooking demo from a from a locally renowned chef and discover new ways to focus on physical and mental wellbeing.

Watch on Facebook Live

#JustCheckingIn Partner Events


The Shift Wellness RallySaturday, May 15 | 11:00 A.M.

Our partners, The Shift, are hosting this is a free, youth-driven virtual wellness rally. All are invited and encouraged to attend. 

Register

The Sound Mind Music FestivalThursday, May 20 | Time TBD

Sound Mind, a proud partner of NAMI Chicago, is hosting a music festival to amplify awareness of mental health issues and end the stigma associated with them.

Register