September is Suicide Prevention Month – a time to raise awareness of this urgently important crisis. The goal is to raise awareness and ensure that individuals, friends, families and the wider community all have access to resources needed to discuss suicide prevention and seek help. (NAMI)
Suicidal thoughts and other mental health conditions, just like physical health conditions, have a huge impact on so many people, regardless of age, background, gender or social status. You are not alone, so please do not try to "go it alone." Please reach out – help is available, 24/7. Here are some resources to help raise awareness and offer points of assistance.
- Dial 911 – First responders are trained, compassionate, and aware of available resources. The VHPD offers social workers as well as connections to programs such as A Way Out for substance abuse treatment, no questions asked.
- Connect with 988 Lifeline – Dial 988, or text, call, chat through 988lifeline.org. Connect for crisis intervention or just to talk.
- 211 Lake County – Resources and connections on a variety of topics, including mental health needs. Dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211LakeCounty.org.
- NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness. Learn more and advocate to reduce the stigma and raise awareness. NAMI.org
- NAMI Lake County – Offers a variety of resources, including peer and family support groups (NAMILake-IL.org). The organization also offers a list of local phone numbers for support. NAMILake-IL.org
- Living Room Wellness Center – Located at 1730 Washington Street, Waukegan; Staffed and open 6a to 10p. Call 888-707-1614 or visit icthelivingroom.org.
- ReferralGPS – Assists in finding therapists and treatment. ReferralGPS.com
You are not alone. Please reach out.