Emotional reactions to this health crisis are expected. Remind yourself, your family, and your friends that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or having other symptoms of distress such as trouble sleeping is normal. If symptoms become worse, encourage them, and yourself, to reach out for support and help.
Step 1: Reach out for help. Use the City of Chicago and National resources below to speak with a qualified, trained medical professional who can help you.
Step 2: Call your company HR representative and ask if you can take time off. (HR is required to keep your conversation confidential.) HR can advise you if you are eligible for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) and provide other options or resources.
Step 3: Continue to use these resources until you are your healthy self. You brush your teeth every morning. You need to make sure to take care of your mental and physical health every day too.
A. Chicago Resources:
B. Helplines:
National Alliance for Mental Illness-Chicago (NAMI Chicago) Helpline 312-563-0445 (trained counselors available M-F, 9am – 5 pm)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (trained counselors available 24 hours a day/7 days a week)
Illinois Warm Line - 1-866-359-7953
C. Other resources