Coping with Community Violence

Support Groups - TODAY

Please Share With Anyone Who May Need Support and Fellowship. 

NAMI has added a Spanish language Coping with Violence Support Group for Saturday, July 9, in addition to English language ‘Coping’ support groups Friday July 8 and a Grief & Loss Group Saturday July 9.

Violence-related trauma undermines our sense of safety and can damage our mental well-being. While mental illness is a contributing factor in only 4% of violent crimes, the effects of violence are universal, and are not limited to people who were physically harmed or present at a violent event.

It is OK not to be OK. 

Coping With Community Violence: 

A NAMI Connection Support Group

NAMI Connection Support Groups are exclusively for people living with a mental health condition, and are led by trained volunteers who have relevant life experience and who understand trauma. 

Register for Friday, July 8 from 5 to 6:30 PM   

Participants may also register at the general Connection registration link – please specify July 6 or July 8.

Coping With Community Violence:

A Support Group for All of Us 

This session is for people who are not living with a diagnosed mental health condition but who would benefit from support and fellowship of people who have similar experiences and who understand trauma. 

Register for Friday, July 8 from 7 to 8:30 PM  

Participants may also register at the general Family Support Group link – please specify July 6 or July 8.

Nuevo! Hacer Frente a La Violencia Comunitaria: Un Grupo De Apoyo Para Todo 

Este grupo de apoyo gratuito de NAMI está diseñado para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois que están lidiando con las consecuencias emocionales de la tragedia de Highland Park del lunes cuatro de julio, o otro evento violento.  

Registrarse por Sabado, 9 de julio: 10 - 11:30 AM

Se requiere inscripción a más tardar del día del evento. El enlace se proporcionará antes de las del día del evento. Si tiene dificultades para registrarse, póngase en contacto Support@namiillinois.org

Grief and Loss Support Virtual Support Group.

Offered by NAMI’s Cook County-North Shore affiliate.  Open to any Illinois resident.     

Saturdays at 10 AM. Click here to learn more and register.

Resources for Parents 

Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen    (en Espanol)

Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other News Events

Helping Children Cope with Frightening News       (en Espanol)

Helping Your Child Cope with Media Coverage of Disasters   (en Espanol)

Talking to Teens When Violence Happens      (en Espanol)

National Traumatic Child Stress Network

Tips for educators and parents in talking to children about violence

(Courtesy of Chicago Sun-Times)  

Other Emotional Support Resources  

Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990: Spanish-speakers should press ‘2’for 24/7 bilingual support. Staff are trained to help people through large traumatic events including mass shootings. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – bilingual operators are available. If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal or are experiencing an acute mental health crisis, do not hesitate to call. If you are or a loved one are in imminent danger, please call 911.

Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is available 24/7 by texting the word ‘TALK’ (or ‘HABLAR’) to 552020. You will be called by trained mental health professional from your own community within 24 hours of your for support. Participation is anonymous – your information is used only to help you make the connection. 

The Illinois Warm Line is available for caring support for mental health and/or substance use challenges at 866-359-7953. Monday-Saturday 8 to 8, except holidays.

The NAMI HelpLine, 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) is open 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday. You will speak with trained volunteer who will listen, answer questions, and help you find local resources. Visit our interactive map to find any of our 19 Illinois NAMI affiliates.