NAMI Lake County Illinois

NAMI Lake County Illinois National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County Illinois is a non-profit, self-help organization of families, friends, users of mental health services, and professionals, dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons affected by neurobiological brain disorders (commonly known as mental illnesses), such as schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, and depression. NAMI Lake County Illinois is affiliated with NAMI national and NAMI Illinois, giving its members support, education and advocacy at three levels: local, state and national. Our mission is to provide support, education, advocacy, and resources to those who suffer from neurobiological brain disorders and their families.

03/17/2026

"Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you!" ☘️☘️☘️

03/17/2026

From health care to the economy to criminal justice and more, mental health touches many of the issues that you might care about the most. Whenever you cast your ballot, you , whether you realize it or not. ☘️☘️☘️

Save the Date. Bring your questions.  💚
03/17/2026

Save the Date. Bring your questions. 💚

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03/15/2026

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Maybe it is time to join us for support. We meet this Tuesday at 7 p.m.  Not necessary to register. Walk-ins are welcome...
03/15/2026

Maybe it is time to join us for support. We meet this Tuesday at 7 p.m. Not necessary to register. Walk-ins are welcome. 💚

This session will explore how catatonia presents, why it is commonly missed and the treatments that can help.Thursday, M...
03/14/2026

This session will explore how catatonia presents, why it is commonly missed and the treatments that can help.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
4:00–5:30 p.m. ET
Register today: 💚
https://nami-org.zoom.us/.../WN_RjGwfa6ESmeNdxBYfKmi8w

Catatonia is often misunderstood — and frequently misdiagnosed.

Though historically associated with schizophrenia, catatonia can occur alongside many mental and medical conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression, autism and neurological illnesses such as autoimmune encephalitis. When it isn’t recognized, individuals may receive treatments that don’t help — even though effective treatments exist.

Join NAMI for Ask the Expert: An Overview of Catatonia with Scott R. Beach, MD, psychiatrist at General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Medical School.

This session will explore how catatonia presents, why it is commonly missed and the treatments that can help.

Thursday, March 19, 2026
4:00–5:30 p.m. ET

Register today:
https://nami-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RjGwfa6ESmeNdxBYfKmi8w

There is still time to join this class that sJtarts next week on Thursday, March 19. Just email Sharon or Carol.  Class ...
03/13/2026

There is still time to join this class that sJtarts next week on Thursday, March 19. Just email Sharon or Carol.
Class is for adults who have a loved one in their life who is struggling with a mental health concern. 💚 https://www.nami.org/programs/nami-family-to-family/

NAMI Homefront Mental Health Virtual Class For Military Service Members, Veterans And Their Families!  Learn More Here: ...
03/13/2026

NAMI Homefront Mental Health Virtual Class For Military Service Members, Veterans And Their Families! Learn More Here: 💚 https://namiillinois.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/nami-homefront/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQgxqFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGN2RLcmNQZDhiMWQ2c0V5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsEOOhnwE_tCi_5fcYjcDGXOUylo_ms3-p48EvvYlh1Gt_lS4kUlTXN5JOq9_aem_wwHV3Yb67gkxrJqaCFh2KA

Military service members, veterans, and their families face unique mental health challenges, and support should be accessible when they need it most.

NAMI Illinois is proud to share NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources — a free, online resource hub available 24/7.

Designed for caregivers, family members, veterans, and service members, this resource provides information on:
• Mental health conditions
• Treatment options
• Stress management and self-care
• Communication strategies
• Transitioning to civilian life
• Crisis and support services

Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone you love, you don’t have to do it alone.

Learn more and access resources anytime: https://namiillinois.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/nami-homefront/

Illinois midterm elections are Tuesday, March 17th. From health care to the economy to criminal justice and more, mental...
03/12/2026

Illinois midterm elections are Tuesday, March 17th.
From health care to the economy to criminal justice and more, mental health touches many of the issues that you might care about the most. Whenever you cast your ballot, you Vote4MentalHealth, whether you realize it or not. Learn more here: 💚 https://vote4mentalhealth.org/

Elections are about more than parties and politics — elections are about mental health. Your vote matters for people affected by mental health conditions. Le...

State Treasurer Announces Expanded Eligibility for ABLE Accounts in Illinois An estimated 250,000 more Illinois resident...
03/12/2026

State Treasurer Announces Expanded Eligibility for ABLE Accounts in Illinois
An estimated 250,000 more Illinois residents with disabilities are now eligible to open special savings accounts after a recent change in federal law, according to Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

Frerichs recently announced that the expanded eligibility allows more people to participate in ABLE accounts, which allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without jeopardizing their federal benefits. Learn more here: 💚 https://www.wsiltv.com/news/illinois/state-treasurer-announces-expanded-eligibility-for-able-accounts-in-illinois/article_4a4eda7b-c3a5-589e-9fb3-dc0bba5fdf2f.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawQcHM1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFZUmJ5Zms4QlpJWUdsSFY5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHreXhsPbqIVoHiQxsQkHgD-gAhp1vl86mkYpVAkCiDEajvSF5mWuckJD6TXx_aem_IYz9jC_wUGAPe8WT19Wgtw

Address

C/o New Hope United Methodist Church Of Waukegan 414 N. McAree Road
Waukegan, IL
60085

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Our Story

History of NAMI Lake County Illinois

NAMI Lake County Illinois was officially formed in 1986 by a forward thinking group of people who wanted something different for their family and loved ones living with mental illness. In the mid 2000’s, our affiliate was called NAMI of Lake County and leaders during that time had created the “NAMI Lakeline”, a monthly newsletter filled with mental health information and resources. NAMI of Lake County’s earliest leaders in the mental health arena opened their homes for meetings and working at their kitchen tables, helped put NAMI of Lake County on the map by establishing the Independence Center in Waukegan (a club house model for those with mental illness). Additionally, they formed Lake County Enterprises which operated as “Up Town Café” in Waukegan, (its predecessor was called Mes Ami Café), a consumer run business. The tireless efforts of those early advocates created a strong foundation for future leaders. A big heartfelt thank you from the current Board of Directors for your passion, strength and talents! Click here to access the NAMI Lakeline, March, 2006 on-line newsleletter:http://www.melmetts.com/NAMI/www/attach/06_03_NAMILC_Newsletter.pdf

NAMI Lake County Illinois has continued to grow, modeling the strong qualities of past Board of Directors. We are filled with professionals, parents and those with mental illness, sharing our lived experience - giving back, hoping it will make a difference for someone else. We continue to advocate at the local, state and national level, training facilitators for mental health classes and supports groups. In the past couple of years, NAMI Lake County Illinois, expanded programs to include the Latino population. In 2017, we began offering “Ending The Silence” to students during health class, educating our future by creating open conversations - reducing stigma and sharing resources on where to get help. Our Board of Directors consistently seek new and updated information and the classes we teach are “Evidenced Based” by SAMSHA. We thank each and every one; from those out-of-the-box original thinkers, to our current board and committee members who have brought unique talents and expertise to the already worn in “kitchen table” of the past.