Illinois has a diverse population, a rich cultural heritage and a mix of urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with numerous other factors, has had a negative impact on the mental health of Illinois residents. According to the CDC’s Household Pulse Survey, more than 27% of Illinois residents reported symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Illinois has a population of nearly 13 million people. Twenty percent of them suffer from some form of mental illness, and more than 3% suffer from a serious form. What’s worse? Less than 45% of residents with mental illness receive any treatment. Plus, about one-third of Illinoisans are at or below the poverty level.
If you or someone you love is part of this group, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Friends and family can help, but not everyone has a reliable support network they can trust. Moreover, many people feel more comfortable talking to someone who’s not part of their inner circle, especially if that person is an expert with a proven track record of helping people through their mental health challenges.
Fortunately, people in Illinois dealing with mental health issues have several places they can turn to for help. A number of community-based organizations provide support and resources for people with mental illness and their families.
Fortunately, there’s help. No shortage of providers (or shortage of funds) should ever prevent you from getting the help you deserve. The following resources are free of charge, confidential, and available to all Illinois residents. Help yourself or someone you love today.
The National Mental Health Hotline
If you need to connect with a mental health specialist, call 1-866-903-3787 right now. A trained professional will take your call and assist you however she or he can. A world of resources is waiting for you. The hotline is available to all US residents and operates on a 24/7 basis.
The Illinois Department of Human Services Call4Calm Line
The Illinois Department of Human Services offers mental health crisis support via phone or text through its Call4Calm Illinois hotline. Phone assistance is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. by calling 1-866-359-7953. Help via text is available around the clock by texting TALK (or HABLAR for assistance in Spanish) to 552020.
Call4Calm and Text Line
The Illinois Department of Human Services offers both a hotline and a text line for mental health crisis support. The hotline is available Monday through Saturday from 8 AM until 8 PM except for holidays and can be reached at 1-866-359-7953. For text only, send ‘TALK’ to 552020, or for Spanish, send ‘HABLAR’.
NAMI Helpline & More
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a wealth of resources, including the NAMI Helpline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-950-6264 or by emailing info@nami.org. Although the helpline is only available Monday through Friday from 10 AM until 8 PM EST, there is a 24/7 text line available. Simply text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 for assistance.
If you or someone you love is dealing with mental health challenges, Mental Health Hotline partners with a host of resources that can help you get things back on track. We can refer you to the best Illinois helpline or local professional to guide you through your situation.