Get Support for Seniors

Support for you or someone you care about

Getting help with your mental health can be overwhelming. NAMI Chicago connects you with local support, no matter what you’re going through.

Talk with someone who understands

If you’re used to handling things on your own, reaching out can offer a fresh perspective and caring support when you need it. You can call to ask questions, talk things through, or get support for someone you care about—on your terms.

Call or text 833-626-4244

Chat with us using the tool at the bottom right of this page.

The NAMI Chicago Helpline is ready to support you

Our local team of trained specialists will listen without judgment, help you make an action plan, provide emotional support and connect you to mental health resources.

The helpline is:

Local

Free

Confidential

Hablamos Español

Our Helpline is here for you:

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

What happens when you call

A trained specialist will answer. They’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you think through what’s going on.

If you’d like, they can share local resources and community support. You can share as much or as little as you want. It’s completely confidential.

People reach out for many reasons, including:

Looking for someone to talk to

Coping with loss

Caring for a loved one and needing support

Going through a big life change (retirement, moving, loss)

Finding local mental health support

Just needing to talk things through

Not wanting to worry loved ones

Strength can look like small steps

Sometimes life gets tough and you need to take it step by step. Find other tips that can provide some relief for you or someone you love.

Anxious?

Watch funny videos. Research shows humor is great at calming anxiety.

Try 4-5-6 breathing. It calms your nervous system. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 5 counts, exhale for 6 counts. Repeat.

Build a playlist. Find songs that calm you and save them to listen to anytime you need them.

Practice meditation. Try humming, listening to nature sounds, or stretching your body as you clear your mind.

Lonely?

Set a reminder to connect. Pick a day each week to share something you like — a video, some music, or even a joke – with someone you think will like it too.

Find people who like the things you do. You can try connecting with social support groups online and in-person.

Volunteer. Helping others can shift your focus and help create a sense of purpose.

Grieving?

Talk about it with someone. Talking with friends or family can help you process what happened and remember your loved one, helping you heal.

Write a note to your loved one. Say what you’d want to tell them if they were here.

Do something they loved doing. Pick an activity your loved one enjoyed doing. This can help you feel closer to them.

You don’t have to figure it out alone

Find your support system

NAMI Chicago offers welcoming support groups, both online and in person, where people can connect, share their experiences, and feel less alone. They also host groups for family members and loved ones who are supporting someone through difficult times.

When you or a loved one need help right away

If you or someone you know is considering harming themself or others, you can text, call or chat with the 988 Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and every day of the year.