Resources

American Association of Suicidology

Website: suicidology.org• Promotes the understanding and prevention of suicide
• Supports those who have been affected by suicide
• Suicide myths, warning signs and risk factors
• Tips for “When Someone Needs Help”
• Includes links to AAS programs, “National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide” and “U OK?”- school and community-based programs for youth suicide prevention and awareness

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

National Website: afsp.org
Illinois Chapter: www.afsp.org/chapter/afsp-illinois
• Supports research projects and programs for suicide survivor treatment and education
• Provides research, information, and education about suicide and depression

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Website: adaa.org
• Information on anxiety disorders, treatment, and referrals
• Blog, testimonials, podcasts, and webcasts
• Section for college students, as well as children and teens
• Test anxiety tips
• Search option for providers and support groups in your area
• Self-help publications and materials

The Jason Foundation

Website: jasonfoundation.com
• Founded by Clark Flatt after losing his sixteen-year-old son, Jason, to suicide
• Risk and warning signs
• For Students: Downloadable phone app, “A Friend Asks,” provides resources, “do’s and don’ts” for helping friends or 

yourself
• For Parents: Parent Resource Program and Parent & Community Seminar featuring the father of Jason
• For Educators, Youth Workers,& Coaches: Professionals Development Series, Coaches’ Assistance Program, and other programs

ActiveMinds

Website: activeminds.org
• Empowers students to speak openly about mental health, to educate others, and to encourage help-seeking
• Develops and supports student chapters on many college campuses nationwide
• Provides information and resources regarding mental health and mental illness
• Serves as a liaison between students and the mental health community

Live Through This

Website: livethroughthis.org
Faces and life stories of people who attempted suicide and survived.
A one of a kind, exceptionally moving website that helps remove the stigma of mental health and replace it with humanity and compassion.

National Council for Suicide Prevention

Website: thencsp.org
The National Council for Suicide Prevention is a national coalition of seven leading nonprofits working to end suicide in the United States

The Jed Foundation (For College Students)

Website: jedfoundation.org
• Focuses on suicide prevention on college campuses and underlying causes of suicide
• Online resource for college students, parents, and campus professionals
• Helps students make lifestyle changes that promote sounder mental health
• Encourages students to seek help when needed

ULIFE -A project of the Jed Foundation (For College Students) Miscellaneous

Website: ULifeline.org
• Online resource for college students, includes campus-specific information to seek help
• Anonymous screening tool
• Information on alcohol and drugs, anxiety disorders, cutting, depression, eating disorders, stress, suicidal disorders, and other issues
• “Help a Friend” page addresses how to talk to a friend struggling with issues
• How to identify warning signs on social media

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Website: nami.org
Largest mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living
with a mental illness and their families

Erika’s Lighthouse

Website: erikaslighthouse.org
They create middle school and high school teen depression awareness programs. Mission is to make sure no young person feels alone in their depression. Educator, teens, and parent sections on website, as well as blog and “Teen Toolbox.”

Mad Hatter Music  

Website: maddhattermusic.org
Spotlight of musicians and other artists who share the same mission: to bring health, healing, and understanding for mental health issues and awareness for suicide prevention. This website is for music and art lovers everywhere. Links to musicians (inspirational, country, electronic, instrumental rock, global artists, jazz/blues/R&B, 80’s, reggae, covers, and more. Links to sketch and iconographic artists, and more. 

Miscellaneous

How to Talk to a Child about a Suicide Attempt in Your Family -booklet/video (DVD). For preschoolers, school age, and teenagers. There is a virtual version (https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/talk2kids/), a no cost print version (https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/orderform/orderformasp) and color pdf to view https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/talk2kids/docs/Talk2Child_color.pdf by Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education & Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention. 

After an Attempt—A Guide for Taking Care of Your Family Member After Treatment in the Emergency Room Department, by NAMI in partnership with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

A Journey Toward Health and Hope: Your Handbook for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt, by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

NEDA – National Eating Disorders Association

Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org
Information and Referral Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 (Go on the website for chat line option)
• Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders
• Serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care
• Online Eating Disorder Screening and Blog
• Information to help find treatment, support group, and research studies
• Resources to help navigate insurance issues
• Programs to provide personal support for individuals and families
• Information for LGBTQs with eating disorders

Eating Disorder Hope

Website: eatingdisorderhope.com
• Weight and Body Image Articles
• Description of treatment types for all eating disorders,
• List of recovery tools and support groups, testimonial videos of hope, blogs and “vlogs”
• “College Hope,”- an online list of various universities and their educational, awareness and prevention programs.

ANAD-National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

Helpline: (630) 577-1330 Go to website for hours.
Website: anad.org
Email: anadhelp@anad.org
• Advocates for the development of healthy attitudes, bodies, and behaviors
• Promotes eating disorder awareness, prevention, and recovery through supporting, educating and connecting individuals, families and professionals
• School Guidelines packet for teachers and administrators to identify students with eating disorders

National Institute of Mental Health

Website: nimh.nih.gov
• Information and statistics on Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatment and therapies
• Explanation of how to join clinical trials
• Lists free booklets and brochures, multimedia videos

The Trevor Project

Website: thetrevorproject.org
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 – The nation’s only 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth ages 13-24.
Trevor Chat: (on the website) for online instant messaging with a Trevor Chat counselor.
Trevor Text:- text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200.

The LGBT National Help Center

Website: lgbthotline.org
(Resource Finder for resources near you)
Helpline: 1-888-843-4564 (for any age: youth and adults)
Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743 (for youth up to age 25)
Chatline: GLBThotline.org/chat for online peer-support chat

It Gets Better Project

Website: itgetsbetter.org
• Videos of celebrities, media personalities, politicians, activists, and organizations giving testimonials and support (Adam Lambert, Wanda Sykes, Joe Jonas, Ellen DeGeneres and many more)
• Mission: to communicate to LGBT youth that it gets better and to create and inspire changes needed to make it better

GLAAD

Website: glad.org
• Works with print, broadcast and online news sources to bring people powerful stories from the LGBT community that builds support for equality
• Resource List

Youth Outlook

Website: youth-outlook.org
The first social service agency in Illinois solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Present in 5 counties in the western suburbs of Chicago offering six drop-in centers in 5 counties, youth leadership program, a transgender youth group, off-site recreational activities, mobile programming, parent support, and community education.

Gender Spectrum

Website: www.genderspectrum.org
National resource for safe schools, including data

Trans Student Education Resources

Website: www.transstudent.org
Education information on gender identity

InterACT

Website: interactadvocates.org
Advocates for Intersex Youth

Family Acceptance Project

Website: familyproject.sfsu.edu/publications
Information for parents and caregivers

AffordableColleges.com

Link to the area of the website for LGBTQ: A Guide to College for LGBTQ Students
Scholarships, Assessing LGBTQ Community, LGBTQ Academics, Steps to Take (when searching), and many National Resources. Valuable links on the website.

GLMA- Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality (formerly “The Gay & Lesbian Medical Association”)

Website: glma.org
Includes updated information on House-passed -Affordable Health Care Act and ACA repeal bill.

GLSEN

Website: glsen.org
A national network of students, educators, parents, and community leaders working to create LGBTQ inclusive school days.

Illinois Safe Schools Alliance

Website: www.ilsafeschools.org
Statewide advocacy and education
(312) 629-2988

PFLAG & PTI

Website: pflagillinois.org
Support, education, and advocacy for parents and friends of LGBTQ+ persons throughout Illinois

Helpful LGBTQ Articles

Difference Between Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation 
Drug & Alcohol Addiction in the LGBTQ Community
How to Support LGBTQ Children

Miscellaneous

Guide for LGBTQ by DrugRehab.com*: Good resources listed by DrugRehab.com in this guide, however, Nick’s Network has no personal knowledge of the rehabilitation centers promoted on this site, and therefore, cannot and does not make any endorsement of these centers.

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration

Website: samhsa.gov

• • An agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation
  • Their mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Website: drugabuse.gov
Information & Referral Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 24 hr/ 7days -Toll Free

• • Comprehensive website with research and treatment reports and news
  • Includes section for teachers and students with educational materials, publications, fact sheets, emergency trend alerts, infographics, and statistics
  • Section for parents, one for children and teens, and information on addiction science

Alcohol Awareness Council – AAC

Website: alcohol.org
For help overcoming an addiction: 1-888-685-5770

• • Dedicated to informing the public about the use and abuse of alcohol
  • Latest alcohol research, studies and statistical data from government agencies, academic institutions, news resources, and awareness organization
  • Alcohol-related resources, support groups, and helplines
  • Option to request alcohol-related data reports to be emailed

Drugabuse.com

Website: Drugabuse.com
To talk with a rehabilitation specialist about your treatment options: 1-888-744-0069

• • General educational information about drug and alcohol abuse, including signs and symptoms and drug and alcohol effects
  • Specific information about illicit substances and prescription drugs
  • Top locations listed state by state for drug abuse/intervention programs and alcohol abuse/intervention programs
  • Information on how to do an intervention
  • Forums & Blogs

Treatment4addiction.com “T4A” 

Website: Treatment4addiction
To speak to an addiction professional: 1-888-480-1703 (24/7)

• • Alcohol and drug treatment programs
  • An extensive overview of legal and illicit drugs
  • Drug and alcohol interventions
  • Support for the family/partners of an addict/alcoholic
  • Alcohol and drug detox facilities
  • Sign, symptoms and the hazards of addictions
  • Addictive behaviors and psychological conditions
  • Research and personal testimonials and blogs/educational videos

AlcoholRehabHelp

Website: alcoholrehabhelp.org

• • Free info and resources sourced from current scientific research, with no advertising or affiliation with any rehabilitation center
  • Types of alcoholism, effects of hangovers, symptoms of withdrawal, alcohol induced heart disease, preventing alcohol abuse
  • Treatment options, mental health, alcohol interactions, withdrawal management, and much more.
  •  

S.A.F.E. Alternatives

Website: https:// selfinjury.com
Information Phone Line: 1-800 366-8288
• A nationally recognized organization dedicated to helping people who self-harm
• Treatment referrals and recovery information
• Parent Webinar
• Information page for school professionals that give intervention tips

HELPGUIDE.ORG. (A guide to mental, emotional and social health )

Website: helpguide.org
Search “self-harm” for:
• Myths & facts, warning signs, tips for talking about cutting and self-harm, help for figuring out why you cut and finding new coping techniques
• Healthier substitutes for self-harm
• Tips for finding the right therapist and helping a friend or family member who cuts or self-harms

LifeSIGNS.ORG (Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support)

Website: lifesigns.org.uk
(User-led by people w/ personal experience of self-injury. Non-judgmental & respectful.)
Adult SI, male SI, SI addiction, choice, SI support groups, forums & personal stories, invalidation & criticism, skin camouflage, scar reduction, coming out stories, guidance for talking about SI and for family members & friends and much more.  Free Downloads of Self-Injury Awareness Booklet and Fact Sheets.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
Website: nami.org
Search “self-harm” for:
• What self-harm is and why people do it
• What to do when someone self-harms
• Treatment and coping

MHA-Mental Health America

Website: mentalhealthamerica.net/self-injury
• Offers tips to help those who self-harm
• Teaches wellness by living mentally healthier lives

Rethink Mental Illness

Website: rethink.org ( Website out of the United Kingdom)
Search “self-harm” and see Fact Sheet for:
• Who self-harms and Why
• How to tell someone if you have a problem with self-harming, how to stay safe, how to reduce scars, how to self-help, and how to deal with questions
• What help professionals offer, what treatments are available
• Information for friends, relatives, and others

Healthy Place

Website: healthyplace.com
Professional Self-Injury Help, articles, blog, videos, list of books for self-help, list of other resources, and self-injury support group information (HealthyPlace.com Self-Injury Support Network – their social network)

National Institute of Mental Health

Website: nimh.nih.gov
Includes information on many disorders including, but not limited to, general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Website: adaa.org
• Information on anxiety disorders, treatment, and referrals
• Blog, testimonials, podcasts, and webcasts
• Separate section for college students, as well as children and teens
• Test anxiety tips
• Search option for providers and support groups in your area
• Self-help publications and materials

Anxiety.Org

Website: anxiety.org
• Information about anxiety disorder by top 1% experts offered to bridge the gap between mental health professionals and those dealing with anxiety disorders
• Many articles about anxiety.

The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors

Website: allianceofhope.org
Includes an online community forum that acts as a 24/7 support group with thousands of members covering many different topics about suicide and survival. Select the sub-forum that is right for you. Access to much information about the grief journey, how to talk about the suicide of your loved one, writing an obituary, emotions & challenges, suggestions & tips for survivors, resources for professionals, support groups, and much more. Many more resources available, including the best books to help you heal.

The Compassionate Friends—Supporting Family After A Child Dies

Website: compassionatefriends.org
Over 600 TCF chapters around the world. An online chapter with live chats that encourage connecting and sharing among parents, grandparents, and siblings grieving the death of a child. Over 30 private FaceBook Groups, including bereaved family members of LGBTQ, substance-related causes, mental illnesses, to name a few. Sign up for written resources for siblings (We Need to Walk Alone, national TCF magazine, and “Ask Dr. Heidi” a sibling column). Many more resources are available, including recommended books.

Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide, aka “LOSS” (a non-denominational program of support) Uniting For Suicide Prevention (Pages for Communities, Providers, and Workplace)

Website: CatholicCharities.net
Loss Program Office: 721 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Main Line: (312) 655-7283

Uniting For Suicide Prevention (Pages for Communities, Providers, and Workplace) Miscellaneous Resources

Website: www.mirecca.gov 
*Tip for Navigation- Click on Grey Horizontal Rectangles on Site to go Deeper*
Community Pages Include: Reactions to Suicide Loss; Podcast: Postvention 101; Suicide Loss Experience, How to Connect to a Suicide Loss Survivor; Postvention Support from a Distance (when not possible to do in-person); Postvention Video Stories, Blogs about suicide loss experiences and more, Communities of Support; Parents & Sibling Loss Survivors; Additional Resources, and much more.
Providers Pages Include: Managing Suicide Loss; Podcasts, such as Providers’ Suicide Loss Experiences, and Managing Legal and Ethical Considerations of Suicide Loss; Blogs; TAPS Model Training Videos; Sample Guidelines for Postvention Plans, Postvention Practices in Workplaces, Additional Resources, and much more.
Workplace Pages Include: Podcasts, such as Postvention Practices for Workplace; How to Support Employees After a Suicide; Workplace Suicide Postvention; Guidance Documents; Enhancing Your Plan; Training Resources, Additional Resources, and much more. 

Miscellaneous Resources

Children, Teens and Suicide Loss, a flip book by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org) and the Dougy Center- The Nat’l Center for Grieving Children and Families (doughy.org)

SOS: A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide by Jeffrey Jackson, made available by the American Asso. of Suicidology

Scouting

Girl Scouts of America
Website: girlscouts.org
Boy Scouts of America
Website: beascout.scouting.org (National website)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources

Sesame Street Autism Resources For Parents
Website: sesamestreetincommunities.org
Includes video clips of autistic children telling why they are amazing & sharing their favorites, a video & storybook of the character, Julia, who has autism (useful to help other children understand autism), downloadable Daily Routine Cards for parents & kids to use together (brushing teeth, morning routine, crossing street, trying new foods, etc.) & much more.

Asperger Syndrome Resources

Website: aspergerexperts.com
Guidance, best practices, insight, and communities created by people with Asperger’s. Intro video directs to aspergerexperts.com/start where you can join a support group and get information on various courses for purchase (i.e., Deep Into Defense Mode, Thrive, Launch (navigation life after high school). Book – 10 Biggest Parenting Mistakes.

Self-help Resources

Website: onlyhuman.com
Stories about moments of change that offer hope, strength, and inspiration.
Blog on a variety of positive & helpful topics and useful tips ranging from best workout playlist to what it takes to get back up. 

Paws for Patrick (Emotional Support Animals)

Website: pawsforpatrick.org
A nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people to emotional support animals (ESAs) for support as they cope with mental health issues. They provide and source the ESAs and give training and education. Paws for Patrick will assist in the process to obtain letters of certification for ESAs. They also provide opportunities for youth to interact with therapy dogs in group settings. For further information email: pawsforpatrick@gmail.com

SamaraCare Counseling

Website: samaracarecounseling.org
A non-profit, local, counseling center located in Naperville, IL
Staffed by caring, licensed and credentialed counselors
SamaraCare offers reduced rates to those who qualify

The Alive Center (For Adults and Teens)

Website: alivenaperville.com
500 W. 5th Ave., Naperville, IL
• Nonprofit offering workshops, classes, events, private or group coaching
• Teen programs including art and dance, nutrition and healthy cooking, stress management, healing arts through music, creative writing, and more
• Teen drop-in hours

KidsMatter

Website: Kidsmatter2us.org
• Equips Naperville area youth and families with tools to manage the stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources, and youth recognition
• Organizes annual volunteer and job fair for local youth

LGBTQ LOCAL RESOURCES

Howard Brown Health Center and Broadway Youth Center

Website: www.howardbrown.org
LGBTQ+ health center and youth center in Chicago

Lambda Legal

Website: www.lambdalegal.org
Committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people
(312) 663-4413

Transformative Justice Law Project

Website: www.tjlp.org
Provide gender-affirming legal services, including monthly name-change mobilization

Center on Halsted

Website: centeronhalsted.org
LGBTQ+ community center in Chicago
(773) 472-6469

Youth Outlook

Website: www.youth-outlook.org
LGBTQ+ youth groups in western suburbs

Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook

Website: www.ysgn.org/pride
Pride Youth Program
North suburban LGBTQ+ youth programs ages 4-24
(847) 724-2620 x121

ANAD-National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

Helpline: (630) 577-1330 Go to website for hours.
Website: anad.org
Address: 750 E. Diehl Rd. #127, Naperville, IL 60563
Email: anadhelp@anad.org

360 Youth Services

(630) 961-2992
Website: 360youthservices.org
1305 W. Oswego Rd., Naperville IL 60540
Provides individual, group and family counseling; crisis intervention; youth leadership & life skills training; youth mentoring; parenting education & support; youth shelter and transitional housing, and substance abuse prevention programs for youth. A prevention and education support group meets Monday nights from  7-8:30 for high school teens at 360 Youth Services (1305 Oswego Rd, Naperville). Contact dneylon@360youthservices.org

Youth Outlook – see the full description of this IL social service agency for LGBTQ youth set forth above under LGBTQ.
Website: youth-outlook.org 

Sanjeevani 4U

Website: sanjeevani4U
A group of volunteers and professionals that provide free advocacy, support, and guidance to those enduring mental health concern and and/or domestic abuse. Everyone is served and all ages are welcomed. Services are available in these languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malyalam, Spanish, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Punjabi. Call 224-424-0050 or 1-855-HELP-4U2 (toll-free) or email them at info@sanjeevani4u.com. All services are free.

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Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
Moving with Special Needs Kids
Home Modifications for Special Needs Kids
Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids
Academic Accommodations Resources For Students with Disabilities
Legal Resources for Special Needs
Keeping Disabled Persons Safe While Remodeling
Teacher Resources For Special Needs 
Disaster Preparedness For Special Needs

Home Accommodations For Special Needs
Disabled Resources from the Department of Labor
Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home
Financial Planning for Kids with Disabilities 
Resources for Military Families with Special Needs Family Members
Business Info for People with Disabilities (gov. incentives, business ideas, franchise opportunities, financing, and resources)

“MY3”

Website: www.my3app.org (Go to the website to download)
• Suicide Prevention App. for Android and iPhone
• A trained counselor from a crisis center near you can be reached 24 hrs. a day, seven days a week
• Defines your network and your plan to stay safe
• Allows you to prepare to help yourself and reach out to others when having thoughts of suicide

“A Friend Asks”

Website: jasonfoundation.org (Go to the website to download)
• A FREE smartphone app that helps provide the information, tools, and resources to help you or a friend struggling with thoughts of suicide
• The app contains the following information:
– warning signs of suicidal ideation
– how to help a friend
– how to get help now
– what to do and what not to do
– the B1 Program

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Crisis Text Line

Get Help Now: Free, 24/7, Confidential
U.S.: text TALK to 741741. Canada: text 686868,
UK: text 85258

Veterans’ Crisis Center Line

1-800-273-8255, press option 1

The Trevor Lifeline (Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ Youth)

866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)

Samaritan’s Helpline

1-877-870-4673 (Hope). Available 24/7. Call or text.

CDC-INFO (Formerly known as the National STD and AIDS Hotline)

1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse)

1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)

National Sexual Assault Hotline

24-hour online hotline:
https://ohl.rainn.org/online/
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

1-866-331-9474

Copline

For police officers and staffed by retired police officers who volunteer their time. 24/7 Crisis Intervention 1-800-267-5463. Website: copline.org