Resources

Find articles, books, and other resources to help navigate the grieving process and find a path towards healing specific to your context.

Communicating Postvention + -

The way a suicide death is communicated can influence the way those close to the deceased respond, and can contribute to either increased or reduced risk of additional adverse impact in the community. The following resources provide tips and guidelines for sharing information about the loss:

  • Resources for Older Adults

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    Understanding suicide risk among older adults is crucial for postvention efforts and mental health support. Here are some reputable resources and organizations that provide valuable information and resources specifically focused on suicide and older adults:

    • American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP):
      AAGP offers resources and information on mental health issues, including suicide risk, among older adults. Their website provides access to publications, guidelines, and educational materials for professionals and caregivers.
    • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP):
      AFSP is a leading organization dedicated to preventing suicide and providing support to those affected by suicide loss. They offer resources and information specific to suicide risk among older adults, including research findings, educational materials, and support programs.
    • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Older Adults and Suicide:
      NIMH provides research-based information on mental health topics, including suicide risk among older adults. Their website offers articles, reports, and resources that explore the factors contributing to suicide risk in this population and strategies for prevention.
    • Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) - Older Adults:
      SPRC is a national resource center dedicated to advancing suicide prevention efforts. They offer resources specific to older adults, including risk factors, warning signs, prevention strategies, and support resources for caregivers and professionals.
    • Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Suicide Prevention Resources:
      The CDC provides comprehensive information and resources on suicide prevention, including data, reports, toolkits, and guidelines. Their website includes specific sections addressing suicide risk among older adults and related prevention efforts.
    • National Council on Aging (NCOA) - Mental Health and Aging Resources:
      NCOA offers resources and information on mental health issues affecting older adults, including suicide prevention. Their website includes articles, fact sheets, and links to programs and services aimed at promoting mental well-being among older populations.

    These resources provide a wealth of information, research findings, and practical guidance for understanding and addressing suicide risk among older adults. They can be valuable for professionals, caregivers, and individuals seeking knowledge and support in this critical area of mental health.

Understanding Postvention + -

Quick Links for School Administrators + -

Find Help

Individuals can be impacted by suicide in many ways, and it is essential to connect to supportive resources to cope.

If you are in crisis or in need of emergency assistance, please reach out to a crisis line, mental health professional, or 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Please see a list of resources below.

Live Support + -

  • Dial 988 - National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7, English, Spanish)
  • If it’s an emergency, call 911. You can also go to your nearest emergency room. A medical professional can give information about your particular circumstances.
  • For more support options, please refer to the following links
  • Call, text, or chat online with someone who will listen, provide support, connect you to resources, as necessary: Find a Helpline
  • DuPage Mobile Crisis Response
  • Search for your Local Crisis Center
    • 988 Lifeline Centers (National)
    • Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Chicagoland)
    • NAMI Lifeline Centers/Resources (Chicagoland)
      • NAMI helpline* 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
      • NAMI Teen and Young Adult Helpline – Text “Friend” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org
      • Available Mon-Fri 10am-10pm ET
    • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ suicide prevention and mental health resources)
      • 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
    • Crisis Text Line - Trained crisis counselors ready to respond regarding any crisis
      • Text HELLO to: 741741
    • Call 1-800-604-5841 to connect with crisis counselors to aid people within the Black, Black LGBTQI, Brown, Native, and Muslim community to provide immediate support to those who are distressed, upset, or need to talk. www.callblackline.com
    • National Domestic Violence hotlines*
    • If you are unable to speak, text *LOVEIS* to *22522*
    • Youth Aware of mental Health - Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) is a school program for ages 13 to 17, focused on exploring mental health.
    • Illinois Helpline for Opioids & Other Substances - Statewide public resource for finding substance use and problem gambling treatment and recovery in Illinois (833-234-6343)
  • Remember that you are not alone and that it is okay to receive support.
  • We encourage you to share these resources with others in your community who may also be impacted.

Organizations + -

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administratton (SAMSHA)
    • The 988 Partner Toolkit is a resource center for social media, video, print, radio, FAQs, messaging, and other marketing materials that can be used to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is designed for states, territories, tribes, crisis centers, communities, emergency service providers, and other partners to speak with one voice so there is a clear understanding about the 988 Lifeline and how it works.
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
    • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
  • NAMI
    • The National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness
    • NAMI.org Kids, Teens, and Young Adults
  • The Trevor Project
    • The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people.
  • Suicide.org
    • The largest and most visited suicide-related site in the world, Suicide.org conducts extensive work online and offline to further its mission of suicide prevention, awareness, and support.
  • Willow House
    • Willow House is a leading non-profit organization in the field of children’s grief that is dedicated to the needs of grieving children and their families. Peer support group services are provided in four locations, Arlington Heights, Chicago, Libertyville and Bannockburn
  • Alliance of Hope
    • Alliance of Hope has been working to decrease stigma, increase understanding of the suicide loss experience, and provide direct support to survivors.

Parent Resources/Support Groups + -

Connect with a Support Group to meet with other people facing common issues and share your experiences in a safe place via in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings.

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color) Resources + -

Additional Support + -

Mental Health Treatment Request

LGBTQ+ Postvention

Definitions + -

Best Practices for Postvention

Compassion and Respect: Approach all communications and actions with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Avoid Blame: Recognize the complexity of suicide and avoid attributing responsibility to specific individuals or events.

Encourage Help-Seeking: Promote resources and reduce barriers to mental health support.