Common Questions
Read some common questions regarding mental health below.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
How do I find a therapist?
Call 311 or visit www.psychologytoday.com/us to find a therapist that is best for you. You can also call NAMI Chicago at 833-626-4244 to speak to someone who can connect you to the resources you need.
Is mental illness common?
Mental illness is far more widespread than most people realize. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), 1 in 5 Americans – 43.8 million, or 18.5%, experience mental illness in a given year. On top of that,1 in 25 American adults will experience a serious mental illness that significantly interferes with or limits one or more major life activity.
How do I talk to my family and friends about my mental health?
Talking about mental health can be very difficult, even with someone close to you. Mental health has been stigmatized for generations as something we shouldn't be talking about but we should be able to open up and share our battles with those closest to us. Liberate yourself and speak about your feelings. If you need help explaining the way you feel, click here.
Engage Your Mind
Activities for All Ages
It is proven that activities can help you get through some not so good times. Here you’ll find some activities that engage men, women, and children in learning more about feelings, emotions, coping skills, resilience/safety plans, writing prompts, and so much more. Engage your mind.
Additional Information - Disclaimer
The contents of the Tommy Talks website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Tommy Talks website ("content") are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Tommy Talks website!
If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.
Tommy Talks is not a direct service organization. Tommy Talks does not recommend or endorse any clinicians, counselors, psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the website. Reliance on any information provided by Tommy Talks, Tommy Talks employees, others appearing on the website at the invitation of Tommy Talks, or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk