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Help is Available for People Experiencing
a Mental Health Crisis
Lake
County’s Crisis Care Program and Text-a-Tip available
24/7
Lake County, Ill. — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide
is now the 10th leading cause of death in the United States,
resulting in nearly 45,000 deaths in 2016 alone. Suicide is also the 10th
leading cause of death in Lake County and is a growing public health problem
that affects all genders and ages. Help is available in Lake County. There are
many resources for those experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of
suicide.
The Lake County Health Department’s Crisis Care Program offers a free, confidential
hotline for anyone experiencing a mental crisis at (847) 377-8088. Crisis Care
Program counselors are also available in person at 3002 Grand Avenue, Waukegan,
Illinois. People wishing to speak with a counselor can call or simply walk in,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“A mental health crisis could
include overwhelming depression, thoughts of suicide, poor concentration,
disturbing thoughts, or feeling out of control,” said Joe Tranchita, Crisis
Care Program Coordinator for the Health Department. “We can help you understand
what is going on, help you explore your options, offer support, and suggest
resources that you might need.”
The Crisis Care Program also
has a Respite Crisis Stabilization Unit where people in crisis can come and
stay for one to two weeks. Respite helps a person in crisis find more effective
ways to cope through daily groups and meetings
with a psychiatrist.
Lake County also offers Text-a-Tip,
an anonymous text-communication system for youth needing mental health
assistance. The “Lake County Help” smartphone app, available for free download
in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, allows you to send a message and
get an immediate response from a licensed clinician.
The National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 is another great resource for those in
need. The Lifeline provides free, 24/7 confidential support. The Lifeline is
committed to advancing suicide prevention, along with improving crisis
services.
It is important to know the
warning signs of suicide. Most people who end up taking their lives exhibit
warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. If you’re
concerned about someone, talk to them. Ask, “Are you thinking about
suicide?" Let them know help is available and assist them in getting help
if they need it.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, look to these resources
for help:
- Call the Crisis
Care Program at (847) 377-8088;
- Walk in for assistance
at 3002 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois;
- Download the “Lake County Help” app and send a Text-a-Tip
message for an immediate response from a licensed clinician;
- Call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255
- Call 9-1-1.
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