Discover Our FAQ's

To join our program, simply sign up on our website and gain access to a wealth of resources designed to help you build emotional resilience and express yourself through storytelling. Our platform offers a variety of tools, including articles, infographics, journal prompts, and mindfulness exercises, to support your mental health journey.

We provide a wide range of resources to assist you in your mental health and storytelling endeavors. From insightful articles to engaging infographics, thought-provoking journal prompts, and calming mindfulness exercises, our toolkit is designed to cater to your emotional well-being and creative expression.

The youth blog is a space where you can share your stories, connect with other students, and explore different perspectives on mental health. By engaging with the blog, you can gain insights, inspiration, and a sense of community that can positively impact your mental well-being.

Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support. In immediate danger, call 911.

• Talking about death or feeling hopeless

• Withdrawing from friends

• Giving away possessions

• Self-harm

Learn more signs at NAMI - Warning Signs.

Be direct: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

Stay calm, listen, and avoid judgment.

Find more tips at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Yes. Call or text 988, or visitNAMI South Suburbsfor crisis hotlines.

You’ll connect to a trained counselor who will:

• Ask how you’re feeling

• Help assess danger

• Offer coping tools

• Connect you with local help

More info: 988 FAQs

Yes. Asking won’t "put the idea in their head"—it shows you care and can save a life. Learn more at Seize the Awkward.

Stay with them. Remove harmful objects. Call 988 or 911immediately.

Be patient. Listen. Encourage follow-up care. Consider helping them make a Safety Plan.

Use:

• 7 Cups (24/7 free online chat support)

• FindTreatment.gov

• Ask your school counselor

• Try Therapy For Black Girls or Inclusive Therapists

Yes. Calling or texting 988 is free. NAMI South Suburbs has crisis hotlines that are also free. Also, the Chicago Department of Public Healthfacilitates no-cost support for emotional, traumatic or behavioral difficulties at community mental health centers. Learn more here.

In Illinois, youth age 12+ can get outpatient therapy without parental consent (up to 8 sessions). See Consent Laws (IHA).

• Center on Halsted – LGBTQ+ youth drop-in & mental health

• Trevor Project (Call 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678)

Many schools offer:

• Social workers

• Crisis counselors

• Partnerships with mental health organizations

Ask your school counselor or wellness team.

• Problems with concentration, memory, or ability to think clearly

• Changes in appetite

• Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or worthless

• Loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy

• Excessive worry

Learn more at Mental Health America.

Stress is usually short-term and related to specific events. If symptoms last weeks or interfere with daily life, talk to a professional. Check out Youth Mental Health Quiz for a self-assessment.

Pick a calm moment. Use “I feel…” statements. Ask for help finding a therapist. Or ask a trusted adult to help you talk to them. See NAMI: How to Talk To My Parents or Guardian for more tips

• NAMI South Suburbs

• Hope For The Day

• Thresholds Youth Programs

NAMI South Suburbs provides a variety of peer support groups.

Try:

• Calm – guided meditation

• Headspace – mindfulness

• MindDoc– symptom tracking and self-guided help