Supporting Mental Health

Supporting Mental Health Across Ages: How to Help a Loved One in Illinois & Missouri

Mental health affects individuals of all ages and stages of life. Whether your loved one is a young adult, middle-aged, or older adult, understanding how to support them and connect them with the right resources is vital. At Latitiana’s Healthcare Group, we believe that taking proactive steps can make a significant difference for families navigating mental health challenges.

Understanding Mental Health Needs Across Ages

Mental health conditions may present differently depending on age. Adolescents and young adults may show signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes, while older adults may face depression, cognitive decline, or stress related to life changes. Regardless of age, early intervention and a supportive environment are key.

Steps to Get Help for a Loved One

Below are practical steps you can take if you believe someone needs mental health assistance:

Recognize the Signs

Changes in mood, appetite, sleep, or behavior

Withdrawn or isolating behavior

Increased irritability or unexplained emotional shifts

Start a Compassionate Conversation

Choose a calm, private setting and express concern without judgment.

Use “I” statements (“I’ve noticed you seem…”).

Assess Immediate Risk

If there is danger to themselves or others, call emergency services (911).

For mental health crises, use dedicated hotlines (below).

Use Crisis and Support Lines

Crisis lines are available 24/7 and can help immediately de-escalate a crisis situation for people of any age.

Connect with Local Services

After a crisis is stabilized, pursue longer-term care through community mental health providers, outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, or support groups.

Follow Up and Support Continuously

Help them set appointments, attend with them if appropriate, and assist with transportation or insurance navigation.

Illinois Mental Health Resources (Available Statewide)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 anytime for immediate mental health crisis support, confidential and free.

Illinois CARES Crisis Line

Available 24/7 to support individuals in crisis or connect you with mobile crisis teams for on-site help. Call 1-800-345-9049.

Call4Calm (IL Dept. of Human Services)

Phone: 1-866-359-7953 (Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm)

Text: TALK to 552020 or HABLAR for Spanish.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Illinois

Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 (support, referrals, education)

Text NAMI to 741741 for crisis text support.

211 Illinois

Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211 for connections to mental health services and support.

Missouri Mental Health Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Missouri)

Call or text 988 or use the online chat for confidential crisis support any time.

Missouri Dept. of Mental Health – Crisis Assistance

Statewide guidance and assistance for mental health crises.

NAMI Missouri

Provides education, support groups, and mental health resources for individuals and families. Visit namimissouri.org for local support options.

Missouri Community Options and Resources (MOCOR)

Statewide services for mental illness and long-term support navigation. Call 1-855-834-8555.

Additional National and Supplemental Support

SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for referrals to local programs and support.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for trained crisis counselors via text message.

Supporting a loved one through a mental health challenge can be challenging, but there are clear steps and highly accessible resources to guide you. Whether the concern is immediate safety, ongoing support, or finding a provider, help is available across Illinois and Missouri.

At Latitiana’s Healthcare Group, we encourage families to take action, ask for help, and use the resources available. You are not alone — and with compassion and the right tools, healing and stability are possible.