Mental Health Resources
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Will County Health Department
815-727-8670
501 Ella Ave, Joliet
Will County Behavioral Health
Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness
708-747-7312
1536 Vincennes Ave, Chicago Heights
Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness
Iroquois Mental Health Center
815-432-5241
25711 Egyptian Trail, Monee
Iroquois Memorial Mental Health
New Choice Intervention, Inc
708-566-1768
142 East 154th Street, Harvey
New Choice Intervention
Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS)
CARES line: 1-800-345-9049
Call 4 Calm emotional support line
Text ‘TALK’ or ‘HABLAR’ to: 552020
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Warning Signs
Inability to perform daily tasks: grooming, bathing, dressing, etc
Rapid mood swings: increased energy level, inability
to stay still, pacing, suddenly depressed, withdrawn; suddenly happy or
calm after a period of depression
Increased agitation: verbal threats, violent or out of control behavior, destroying property
Abusive Behavior to self or others: verbally or physically abusive, substance use, self harm
Isolation: does not leave room for long periods of time, avoiding school work, family time, connecting with others
Loses touch with Reality: confused, strange ideas,
unable to recognize familiar people, hearing or seeing things that are
not there, difficulty understanding what others are saying
Paranoia: suspicion or mistrust of others or the their actions without justification or evidence
Suicide Warning Signs
- Changes in personality, mood or behavior
- Preoccupation with death
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Stockpiling pills, trying to obtain a weapon
- Recent failed romantic relationships
- Sense of helplessness or worthlessness
- Saying things like, “nothing matters anymore” or “you’re better off without me”
- History of attempts or self-harming behaviors
How to Protect Kids' Mental Health During the Pandemic
Feeling anxious is a natural reaction to having your whole life
turned upside down for an undetermined period of time. You can set the
emotional tone in your home and talk to your children about social
media. Here are ideas that can help:
Create new routines that provide a sense of stability. Schedule regular time with family. Let your children pick ideas and help plan them.
Acknowledge loss of important milestones. Children
are missing out on many occasions they were excited about, from
graduation ceremonies to birthday parties. Reassure them that this will
end at some point and there may be other ways to celebrate at a later
date. Put a date on the calendar for something to look forward to in the
future.
Tell children how you feel, and ask how they're doing.
Talk to your children about how you feel. This gives them permission to
identify and express emotions. Listen actively. It's natural to want to
make your child feel better, but it's important to just hear them. Say,
"You feel sad. I understand."
Look for positives. There may not be a silver lining to every cloud, but try to think positive.
Encourage discussion. Children will probably pick up
a lot of information and misinformation. Ask, "Have you heard anything
on the news today?," "What did you hear?," and "What do you think about
it?" If the information seems doubtful say, "Let's verify that by
checking other sources."
Just ... be. Honestly, all your children really need
from you right now is to be their parent. Emotional support goes a
really long way toward helping children feel safe, secure, and loved.
School, friends, good news—it'll all come back in time.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/how-to-protect-kids-mental-health-during-the-pandemic
Grief Resources
Grief support for children during COVID-19
Grief/Change support for teens during COVID-19