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Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
- 1. I want to spend more time outdoors. Is there a state park or natural area near me?
- 2. I'd like to go camping. How can I reserve a campsite?
- 3. Bicycling helps me relax. Are there any state parks where bicycling is permitted?
- 4. I'd like to try my hand at fishing. Any tips for getting started?
- 5. Being out on the water is relaxing for me, but I'm not much of an angler. What about canoeing and kayaking?
- 6. What other activities are available to me at Illinois state parks?
- 7. Is there really a link between the outdoors and better mental health?
- 8. Someone I know is experiencing a mental health crisis. What resources are available?
There are several ways to find state parks, trails, forests and other natural areas near you.
- You can view this interactive map of Illinois' state park locations.
- And you can visit IDNR's state parks website with links to each individual state park arranged by region or alphabetically. Links to each park connects visitors with information about available activities and accessibility.
Reserving a campsite or shelter at an Illinois state park is simple. Just visit IDNR's campground reservation site, and search for a spot according to park name or type of camping spot.
Numerous Illinois state parks are home to popular bike trails. Check out our list of state park bike trails, along with tips about getting bicycle route maps, laws and bike maintenance.
Absolutely! ifishillinois.org offers great tips and information for anglers. Check out this page for some basics about equipment and this page for tips on how to be successful. We also have a list of family-friendly fishing locations and more.
Illinois state parks offer lots of opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, and we maintain a handy list of sites where these activities are popular.
Visit our website to learn more about activities that are popular at specific state parks, such as hiking, archery, snowmobiling, golfing, horseback riding, boating, and hunting. It's never a bad time to try out a new outdoor activity.
You better believe it. Check out these articles:
- Nurtured by nature: Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition
- Mental health benefits of nature
- Sour mood getting you down? Get back to nature
- Health benefits of getting outside
- Mental health benefits of the outdoors
- The wellness benefits of the great outdoors
- Exposure to great outdoors boosted mental health during pandemic
First, if you or someone you know is in distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline offers free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you and your lovedones, and more.
Beginning July 16, 2022, the Lifeline will be accessible to everyone in the United States by dialing a simple three-digit code: 988. Follow this link for resources for helping someone who is struggling emotionally or having a difficult time.
The Veterans Crisis Line is 800-273-8255 (press 1). Crisis support also can be accessed by texting 838255.
In addition, MentalHealth.gov is an excellent resource with lots of tips and information.
To find mental health care providers in Illinois, visit the website for the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness website offers many resources and a searchable guide to find NAMI affiliates in Illinois and throughout country.
