Mental Health Resources
Mental Health America of Illinois
Mental Health America of Illinois is a statewide organization that works to promote mental health, prevent mental disease and improve the care and treatment of those suffering from mental and emotional disorders. For more information go to www.mhai.org/.
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Training Modules
The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) National Training Center has developed free, easy-to-read online learning modules for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members and their supporters to learn more about mental health. They also have modules designed for mental health professionals and clinicians.
These training modules are available at www.mhddcenter.org/learn-now.
The training topics include anxiety, bipolar disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, preparing for a mental health assessment, supported decision-making and what to expect in a mental health therapy session.
Mental Health Crisis Card for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Arc of the United States offers a printable Mental Health Crisis Card for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). During a mental health crisis, individuals can show the card to someone nearby to provide support and help. The card includes critical information about the person’s disability and mental health conditions and actionable steps to help de-escalate stressful situations.
A mental health crisis can strike unexpectedly. The Mental Health Crisis Card provides information about what you need, including:
- How to communicate (verbally, written, through pictures, etc.)
- Your preferred calming techniques
- Words or phrases that can help you focus or de-escalate
- Triggers or actions to avoid, such as physical contact, bright lights or loud noise
- Numbers to call for immediate help, such as a family member, support person or therapist
You can download a Mental Health Crisis Card and the instructions for completing it on The Arc’s website.
Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Mental Health for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Navigate Life Texas, a project to inform and empower parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs, has a Mental Health for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities page. This page provides ideas on how to talk to your healthcare provider and the people working with your child if you think your child might be having mental health symptoms.
Mental Health Online Screening
One of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a mental health screening at mhascreening.org. The screening is free and anonymous.
Taking a screen can help you to better understand what you are experiencing and get helpful resources. After that, consider talking to someone you trust about your results and seek out a professional to find the support you need.
Mental Health Resources for Kids, Teens and Young Adults
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has resources geared toward kids, teens and young adults. NAMI also provides a coloring and activity book and step-by-step guidance to help parents explore and talk to children about emotional topics or mental health challenges.Mental Health Resources for LGBTQI Individuals
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed (LGBTQI) community represents a wide diversity of thought, perspective, understanding and experience. For individuals identifying as LGBTQI, it’s important to recognize how your experience of sexual orientation and gender identity relates to your mental health.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a variety of resources as well as important things to consider when seeking an LGBTQI-competent mental health care professional.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Homefront Mental Health Resources include:
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health
The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health provides a survivor’s resource list that includes:
- State, national and Chicago-based domestic violence organizations
- Mental health recovery and peer support resources
- State mental health departments
- Disability rights organizations
- Resources on trauma
- Resources on child trauma