Resources for Grief and Mental Health
It can be hard to find resources that work for you. We’re here to help. To the right, you’ll find call and text lines that cater to the Illinois community. We’ve double checked all hotlines by calling and texting first, ensuring that they are active, timely, and will provide the support that you deserve.
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“Children and young people can grieve just as deeply as adults, but they often show it in different ways.”
“We all experience loss, and learning how to process that loss is a vital component to fostering resilience and overcoming adversity.”
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Contact:
Call 866-359-7953
Hours:
8am-8pm
General Information:
The Illinois peer support line strives to provide support, wellness, education, and community resources to any Illinois resident in need. Everyone who works on this line has experience with mental health or substance use recovery and have experienced struggles. They serve to provide empathy through any hardships you may be facing, including grief and loss experiences.
Our Notes:
When we called, the wait time was less than 5 minutes. The woman who answered was very kind and accommodating to our thoughts, feelings, and questions. She confirmed that the line is active. Our last time checking in with this number was July 29, 2025.
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Contact:
Text “Home” to 741-741
Hours:
24/7
General Information:
The Crisis Text Line provides free support to all ages, ethnicities, and religions. They cater to grief, mental health, emergencies, and any problems you may be facing. The staff are trained counselors who provide caring and confidential support.
Our Notes:
When we texted, the wait time was 6 minutes. We noticed that the individual who responded was less about giving advice and more about listening and providing an outlet to express our feelings. If you want a place to let out your emotions and feel like someone is there to hear you, this is a good resource. Our last time checking in with this text line was July 29, 2025.
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Contact:
Call 833-626-4244
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm
Weekends: 9am-5pm
General Information:
NAMI Chicago Helpline provides emotional support through crisis situations and provides resources for therapy and mental health. Their services are local, free, and confidential. They serve Chicago and suburban Cook County. You can call for yourself or to support a loved one.
Our Notes:
When we called, the wait time was 1 minute. The woman who answered confirmed that the line is active and provides support for mental health, trauma, and grief. Our last time checking in with this number was July 31, 2025.
“Moving on means you’ve accepted your loss—but that’s not the same as forgetting.”
“Allow yourself to let go of the thought that ‘everything will return to normal’, because it may not, but in time you will find a new normal.”