AFSP Illinois Chapter

11/18/2025

Research tells us that transgender people report higher prevalence of su***de attempts over their lifetime than LGB or straight people. 💙

So, we want to remind you that you are not alone. If you're struggling or want to connect with a trusted mental health professional, call or text 988, or text TALK to 741741.

11/17/2025

After losing her brother to su***de, Stacy struggled with thoughts and feelings of denial, anxiety, and blame.

Eventually, Stacy connected with a therapist, helping her navigate these complex emotions unique to many su***de loss survivors. After receiving help on and off, Stacy knew one thing for certain: "Help is out there for all of us. It may not be the first thing you try, or the first therapist you talk to, but it exists for everyone. And you’re worth it."

Read Stacy's story: https://afsp.org/story/you-are-worth-it

Join us for your local event to connect with others who have lost someone to su***de: afsp.org/survivorday

International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day 2019 is Saturday, November 23.

11/17/2025

Join AFSP for "LGBTQ+ Communities and Allies," a virtual event honoring International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. CT.

The event will include:

⭐ An introduction to International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day
⭐ The screening of a special AFSP film
⭐ A keynote speaker presentation
⭐ A Q&A session for all participants

🌈 Register today at virtual-lgbtq-centraldiv.isosld.afsp.org.

11/17/2025

It's — a good time to remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's essential.

Maybe it's a quiet walk, catching up with a friend, or simply letting yourself rest without guilt. Whatever it looks like for you, give yourself the time and space you need to keep going strong. 💙

What are you choosing for yourself this week?

11/16/2025

Each year, Day of Hope brings together survivors of su***de loss to help them navigate the holiday season.

Join us on Friday, November 21 at 4 p.m. ET for Day of Hope, a panel discussion featuring Spanish loss survivor speakers who will share their healing journey.

Register: https://www.facebook.com/share/18zWtVvw9Q/

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Cada año, el Día de la Esperanza reúne a los supervivientes de pérdidas por suicidio para ayudarles a transitar la temporada navideña.

Acompáñanos el viernes 21 de noviembre a las 4:00 p.m., hora del Este para el Día de la Esperanza, donde habrá un panel con oradores hispanohablantes que han sufrido una pérdida y compartirán su camino hacia la sanación.

Regístrate: https://www.facebook.com/share/18zWtVvw9Q/

11/16/2025

Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting a great cause!

Our friends at Anderson's Bookshop are hosting a community fundraiser from November 13–19 to support AFSP Illinois and the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk.

Shop in-store or on the Anderson's Bookshop website, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to AFSP — just mention AFSP at checkout or add a note in the comments section of your online order.

Store locations:
📚 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
📚 111 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
📚 5112 Main St, Downers Grove

Website:
🛒 AndersonsBookshop.com

11/16/2025

Mental health is just as important as physical health. 💙

How do you take care of your mental health?

11/14/2025

A few years ago, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman learned that a growing number of young, Black people were dying by su***de.

To learn more, she and the Congressional Black Caucus empowered a working group of experts to publish a landmark report titled "Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Su***de in America."

On the latest episode of "Strong Talk," AFSP's Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, Victor Armstrong, MSW, discusses the report's findings and recommendations for supporting young Black people's mental health.

Listen 🎧 https://lnk.to/afsp_strong-talk_watson-coleman

11/14/2025

In addition to sponsoring in-person events around the globe for International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day, AFSP hosts two virtual events for survivors of su***de loss: Survivor Day Live and Día De Esperanza.

⭐ Survivor Day Live takes place on the Saturday of International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day. The event features a panel discussion featuring su***de loss survivors' experiences and healing journeys.

⭐ Día de Esperanza/Day of Hope takes place on the day before International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day. This event includes a Spanish language panel discussion about the perspectives on mental health and su***de loss in Hispanic and Latinx culture.

🔗 afsp.org/international-survivors-of-su***de-loss-day

11/13/2025

Today is ! 💛

Sometimes the smallest gestures matter most. A quick "How are you?" text, a note of encouragement, or even a friendly smile — it can make all the difference. Let's look out for each other.

Want to support others and bring to your community? Learn more about volunteer opportunities with AFSP: afsp.org/Illinois

11/13/2025

Our friends at Anderson's Bookshop are hosting a community fundraiser from November 13–19 to support AFSP Illinois and the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk!

You can shop in person or online — just be sure to mention AFSP at checkout or in the comments section online so your purchase counts toward the fundraiser.

Visit AndersonsBookshop.com or any of these locations:

📚 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
📚 111 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
📚 5112 Main St, Downers Grove