Harper College
Harper Wellness

Wellness Websites & Screenings

 

  • Al-Anon Family Groups: Al-Anon members and meetings are for people who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. You can find a meeting near you by visiting the Al-Anon website.
  • Addictions.com: A leading informational resource and web guide for those impacted by substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Provides accurate, informative addiction and behavioral health content, a comprehensive directory of rehab facilities and addiction treatment centers across the U.S., a library of free resources, and information for initiating treatment.
  • Addiction Group: Millions of people of all ages and backgrounds are affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Addiction Group has a team of journalists, researchers, doctors, and medical professionals that created science-based resources to help you and your loved ones get help.
  • College Alcohol Intervention Matrix (AIM): CollegeAIM is a resource to help schools address harmful and underage student drinking. Developed with leading college alcohol researchers and staff, it is an easy-to-use and comprehensive tool to identify effective alcohol interventions.
  • Collegiate Recovery Communities: Information and resources for college students in recovery.
  • DUI Costs: Article outlining the costs of receiving a drunk driving ticket in addition to other alcohol and other drug resources.
  • Fentanyl Awareness: Learn about the signs of a fentanyl overdose and what to do. In addition, learn how you can access and use naloxone (Narcan), which is the easiest way to reverse a fentanyl overdose.  
  • Kenneth Young Center: The Kenneth Young Center is a not-for-profit in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, focused on fostering healthier communities through counseling for adults, children, families; assessment, stabilization, linkage for adults/children in psychiatric crisis; treatment, support, and recovery services for those with serious mental illness; service coordination and in-home services for older adults; substance use prevention and recovery; alcohol, drug, and pregnancy prevention programs  for youth; LGBTQ+ Center for youth and young adults; volunteer opportunities. 
  • Marijuana Facts: Information about marijuana consumption and risks associated with substance use.
  • National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. It is the largest funder of alcohol research in the world.
  • Opioid Help: News, Information and resources about opioids.
  • Palatine Club AA Meetings: Palatine meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon, Alateen, and other twelve-step groups.
  • SMART Recovery Family & Friends: Meetings are a dedicated space for those with loved ones who are struggling with addiction. 
  • Sober Meetings in Illinois: A list of Alcoholics Anonymous meeting across the State of Illinois.
  • Sober Nation: List of various drug treatment facilities, resources and articles to assist an individual in getting sober. 
  • Students in Recovery Guide: A guide to help assist students who are seeking alcohol and/or drug treatment and recovery during college.
  • Substance Abuse in Healthcare: Addiction resources and expert advice for healthcare professionals and students.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
  • Treatment Navigator: Alcohol treatment options. 
     

 

General:

  • Building Better Mental Health: Looking to boost your mood, handle your emotions better, or build resilience? These six life-changing strategies for improving mental health and well-being can show you how. 
  • Emotional Wellness Toolkit: How you feel can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities, your relationships, and your overall mental health. Learn about 6 strategies that can help improve your emotional health.  
  • How to Cope with Traumatic Events: How you feel about and respond to traumatic events may differ, but it’s important to know that it can have a very real impact on your mental health and well-being. And there are things you can do to cope and move through it. You deserve that support, and it will help. 
  • The JED Foundation: Tips to Manage Stress and Worries 
  • Togetherall:Through an online platform called Togetherall, you can access free, online peer-to-peer mental health support 24/7/365 from any device with an internet connection.  It allows you to get support, take control and feel better- all in a way that is most comfortable to you.  You can complete self-paced courses, self-assessments or explore other helpful wellbeing resources. 
  • WellTrack: WellTrack Boost is a free resource that is available to all Harper students! WellTrack is a self-guided and interactive way to manage your mental well-being. It is an online tool designed to help you understand your feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression. WellTrack is confidential, anonymous, and secure. 
  • ULifeline Screening Tool: Complete a self-evaluation tool (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcohol and substance use) to better understand resources and how to seek help. 

Documentaries:

E-Books:

General:

  • Environmental Wellness Toolkit: What surrounds you each day in your home, work, or neighborhood and the resources available to you can affect your health. Learn about 7 strategies that can help you improve your environmental wellness.  

Apps:

Podcasts/Youtube:

Documentaries:

E-Books:

Other Websites:

Virtual Tours: Various tourist destinations are releasing virtual tours since their locations are closed

  • American Heart Association: Receive information health and wellness information and tips about healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, fitness, recipes, stress management, losing weight and more.
  • American Cancer Society: Get everything you need to know about cancer, from the basics to detailed information on more than 70 different cancer types.
  • Go Ask Alice: Health and wellness website that provides answers to frequently asked questions. Information is provided by health promotions professionals, health care providers, and other health professionals at Columbia University.
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Provides information about new and emerging health threats, disease prevention and intervention, healthy and safe behaviors, health issues and causes of death and disability for Americans and other public health problems.
  • Health Finder
  • Hoffman Estates VA Clinic: Mental Health Care, Primary Care, Dermatology and Specialty Care services for veterans.
  • Illinois Department of Public Health
  • Mayo Clinic: Provides information about diseases, conditions, tests and procedures, symptoms, research, education, services and other healthcare information.
  • Medline Plus: Information about symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention for over 1,000 diseases, illnesses, health conditions and wellness issues.
  • Mental Health Help Guide: Building Better Mental Health
  • Northwest Community Healthcare: Located on the campus and accessible from Harper’s Algonquin Road entrance, the Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center (Building M) includes an NCH Outpatient Care Center. On site health services will be provided to students, staff and the community.
  • Veterans Guide: Veterans Guide provides retired servicemembers of the United States military with the necessary information needed to obtain the maximum benefits when they leave military service. The Veterans Guide provides comprehensive educational materials and direct access to a panel of expert counselors and legal professionals in collaboration with the National Advocates for Veterans Disability Assistance, LLC (NAVDA).

Online Storytimes for Children:

Coloring Book Apps

Learn a Language

Get Crafty

  • 988: On July 16, 2022, the U.S. launched a new three-digit phone number--988--an easy-to-remember way for people to connect with help and support during a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis. People can call or text 998 or chat online (988lifeline.org) to be connected to trained counselors. 
  • Addiction Counselor: Resources for mental health issues, signs and where to seek help. 
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Research, educational programs, support for loss survivors, advocacy and events surrounding suicide prevention.
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America: ADAA provides a list of support groups for those facing disorders related to anxiety and depression.
  • Athletes: Four Mental Health Tips for Athletes
  • Blackline: Support and counseling with an LGBTQIA+ Black Femme lens and prioritizes BIPOC individuals. Hotline: 800-604-581. Availalbe 24/7/365
  • Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health and Wellness Resource List
  • Crisis Text Line: Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via mediums people already use and trust.
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): Provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders.
  • Desi LBTQIA+ Helpline for South Asians: Support for south asian LBTQIA+ individuals in the United States. Hotline: 908-367-3374.
  • Families for Depression Awareness: Helps families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides.
  • Inclusive Therapists: Virtual directory of culturally competent and social justice-oriented therapists; includes list of therapists currently offering reduced-fee teletherapy
  • InnoPsych: Find your ideal therapist of color and boost your wellness journey with content written by and for people of color.
  • JED Foundation: The Jed Foundation empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.
  • Mental Health America: Provides free information. Has a referral directory to mental health providers, national directory of mental health associations. Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm ET.1.800.969.6642.
  • Mental Health America of Illinois: Committed to increasing the public's access to science-based mental health information.
  • Mental Health Resources in Illinois: Directory of Family-Endorsed Providers features multiple mental health resources in the state of Illinois. All of the Illinois providers listed have been recommended by a family member of a person who has used their services and have been carefully vetted by an Advisory Group. 
  • Mental Health Resources for and By Black People: Resources include both conventional talk therapy — often at subsidized rates and available remotely during the coronavirus pandemic — as well as self-care resources and healing practices.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness | Illinois
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The 24/7 lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loves ones. Text or call 988 in order to be connected to a mental health provider. 
  • National Institute of Mental Health Information Line: Provides information and literature on mental illness by disorder—for professionals and the general public; provides referrals to relevant voluntary health organizations. Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm ET. Call 1.866.615.6464 or email nimhinfo@nih.gov. 
  • Panic Disorder Information Hotline: For many who experience panic attacks, it can be helpful to speak to someone who understands what they’re going through during an attack. The compassionate staff at the panic disorder hotline can provide information about what happens during an attack and provide tips to help get through the attack. This number is available to those in crisis, as well as those who are just seeking more information about the disorder.1.800.64.PANIC (1.800.647.2642)
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Disorders: Pregnancy and the birth of a child can be a joyous and exciting time, but some women may struggle with their mental health as they transition to motherhood. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder may surface during or after pregnancy. Additionally, birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder or a severe but rare condition called postpartum psychosis can happen following childbirth. Learn more about resources available to you. 
  • Racial Trauma Guide: Virtual guide on coping with racial stressorsandbeing an ally, developed by the EMPOWER (Engaging Minorities in Prevention Outreach Wellness Education & Research) Lab
  • Seize the Awkward: Tips on how to talk to someone you are worried about, signs to watch out for and conversation starters.
  • The Boys Town National Hotline(24/7): Staffed by specially trained counselors who focus on children and families and are accredited by the American Association of Suicidology. Spanishspeaking counselors and translation services for more than 100 languages also are available 24 hours a day. Call 800.448.3000 or text “VOICE” to 20101. The speech- and hearing-impaired can contact hotline@boystown.org. 
  • The National Center for Missing or Exploited Children(24/7): NCMEC’s mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.1.800.THE.LOST (1.800.843.5678).
  • The Trevor Project: A crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 866.488.7386.
  • The United Way 211 Line(24/7): Source of information about local resources and services. 211 is powered by people: thousands of caring, local experts are available to help, 24/7. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous. 800.233.HELP (800.233.4357) or 211.
  • Therapy for Black Girls: Online space founded by Dr. Joy Bradford dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls, including a free podcast aimed at making mental health topics accessible
  • Togetherall: Through an online platform called Togetherall, you can access free, online peer-to-peer mental health support 24/7/365 from any device with an internet connection.  It allows you to get support, take control and feel better- all in a way that is most comfortable to you.  You can complete self-paced courses, self-assessments or explore other helpful wellbeing resources.
  • To Write Love on Her Arms: To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
  • WellTrack: WellTrack is a free resource that is available to all Harper students! WellTrack is a self-guided and interactive way to manage your mental well-being. It is an online tool designed to help you understand your feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression. WellTrack is confidential, anonymous, and secure. Learn more about downloading and accessing the app.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources for Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) 


*The below resource list was provided by the Jordan Porco Foundation*

Resources for Black Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Resources for Hispanic/LatinX Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Resources for Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Resources for Native and Indigenous Peoples Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Apps:

  • Cronometer: Log your diet, exercise, biometrics and notes.
  • Eat This Much: Creates personalized meal plans based on your food preferences, budget, and schedule. Reach your diet and nutritional goals with the calorie calculator, weekly meal plans, grocery lists and more.
  • GAIN: GAIN Fitness builds personalized fitness programs from 350-plus exercises—for strength training, calisthenics, plyometrics and yoga—that are developed and coached by real-life trainers. Master your technique with high-def images, voice commands and targeted form cues. Like a premium trainer, this goal-oriented app also tracks each workout and keeps you on track to succeed.
  • JEFIT: Track workouts, personalized workout routines, and analyze and workout data to maximize results.
  • Labyrinth Journey: For thousands of years labyrinths have provided a place for meditating, finding peace and tranquility, making a pilgrimage, and enhancing creativity. Begin at the entrance and journey to the centre. Pause, reflect, meditate, and when ready, return outwards retracing your path. 
  • MyFitnessPal is a very robust food tracking app.
  • MyMacros: Quickly log your food and weight, over 5,000,000 food items to choose from, and detailed insight on how your diet impacts your goals.
  • Nike Run Club: Run tracking and training plans
  • Nike Training Club: Helps you reach your fitness goals with expertly designed workouts from world-class Nike Master Trainers. NTC is perfect for training at home, in the gym, or on the road, with everything from bodyweight-only to full-equipment workouts for everyone at all fitness levels.
  • Progression Workout Tracker: Seamlessly integrated with Google Drive to backup and sync your workout sessions and programs to all your devices.
  • RepCount: Quick and simple workout log for strength training.
  • Skimble Workout Trainer: Workout Trainer can help you with thousands of free workouts coached by real-life personal trainers. They’ll walk you through each exercise with timed step-by-step audio, photo and video. You can use the “Shakerciser” to choose a random workout based on the amount of time you have and what area you want to focus on.
  • Strava: Let’s you track your running and cycling with GPS, join challenges, share photos from your activities, and follow friends.
  • Strong: Easy way to track your weight lifting workouts.
  • Strong Lifts 5x5: Tells you what exercises to do, how much weight you should lift and congratulates you when you put in a solid effort or achieve an important goal.

Podcasts/Youtube:

Documentaries:

E-Books:

  • American Psychological Association - Building Resilience: A roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations, and emerging even stronger than before.
  • Berkeley Well-Being Institute: What is resiliency? What is resiliency important? How do I build or strengthen my resiliency? Learn about different strategies, resources and skills that can help individuals bounce back after difficult moments. 
  • OptionB: OptionB.Org is dedicated to helping you build resilience in the face of adversity—and giving you the tools to help your family, friends, and community build resilience too. Here, you can read and share personal stories, join groups for solidarity and support, and find information from experts.
  • Bystander Intervention Resources
  • Crisis Resources: In times of crisis, whether you're facing a personal mental health challenge, dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, or grappling with the effects of violence, abuse, or discrimination, finding the right support is crucial. This collection of information and resources is designed to help you navigate these difficult moments, offering tools and guidance to aid in your coping and recovery.
  • Phone and Consent: Simple video explaining consent using a phone analogy.
  • Tea and Consent: Simple video explaining consent using a tea analogy.
  • Lean In: Resources for survivors, people who want to stand with survivors, and companies that want to get this right.
  • Men Can Stop Rape
  • Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault: The only full service agency that provides free services to sexual assault survivors and their loves ones within the North and Northwest suburbs of Cook County.
  • Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): National resources for sexual assault survivors and their loves ones.
  • WINGS Program, INC.: Provides housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.
  • Abortion Access & Options: If you are pregnant and do not want to continue the pregnancy, then abortion may be an option that is available to you. Abortion is usually very safe if performed by a trained health professional. Medication, surgical abortion, and medication abortion pill by mail are options available in the State of Illinois. 
  • American Sexual Health Association: Promotes the sexual health of individuals, families and communities by advocating sound policies and practices and education the public, professionals and policy makers in order to foster healthy sexual behaviors and relationships and prevent adverse health outcomes.
  • Birth Control Options: See if you qualify f or coverage to get free or low-cost birth control. 
  • Center for Young Women's Health: The Center for Young Women’s Health (CYWH) is a partnership between the Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine and the Division of Gynecology, at Boston Children’s Hospital. The Center is an educational entity that is committed to providing adolescents and young people with carefully researched health information, educational programs, and community spaces. The mission of our website is to help girls, young women, transgender and nonbinary young people, intersex young people, caregivers, educators, and health care providers to improve their understanding of health and development, as well as specific diseases and conditions.
  • Chicago Healthy Adolescents & Teens: CHAT provides information and local resources about sex, sexual health, and sexual orientation.
  • Emergency Funds for Relocating and Supporting Families and Transgender Individuals: A list of resources and organizations that may provide emergency funding to individuals and families impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, to relocate or to access care or services outside of your current state of residence. Many of the organizations are new and are only taking applications at this time.
  • Gender Pronoun Guide: The Division of Student Life at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a gender pronoun guide to serve as a starting point for using pronouns respectfully. 
  • Get Yourself Tested:If you are sexually active, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health! Have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your sexual history and STI testing. This will help them understand what STI tests you may need. Find free, fast, and confidential testing near you. 
  • Greater Family Health: Can provide a variety of LGBTQIA+ health services including HIV testing and HIV Prevention Treatment (PrEP). They also accept a variety of insurance plans to make sure your visit is affordable. Patients without insurance are also accepted.
  • Human Rights Campaign: Advocates for LGBTQIA+ equality and educated the public about LGBTQIA+ issues. 
  • International Foundation for Gender Education
  • Kimbritive: The unapologetic sexual wellness platform reimagining the health and well-being of Black women and girls.
  • Kinsey Institute: Website for exploring love, sexuality, and well-being.
  • Know Your Rights:Reproductive health care, including access to birth control and safe and legal abortion care, is an essential part of your health and well-being. While Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion remains legal in many states [including Illinois], and other reproductive health care services remain protected by law.
  • LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory: Find LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare, including LGBTQ-affirming therapy, near you. 
  • LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline: Providing a safe space to discuss concerns/questions on coming out for all ages. Monday – Friday, 4 pm to 12 am ET; Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm ET. 888.OUT.LGBT (888-688-5428).
  • LGBT National Hotline: Providing confidential peer support, info, and resources for callers of all ages. Monday – Friday, 4 pm to 12 am ET; Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm ET. 888.843.4564.
  • LGBT National Senior Hotline: Providing confidential peer support, information, and resources for those 50 and above. Monday – Friday, 4 pm to 12 am ET; Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm ET. 888.234.7243.
  • LGBT National Youth Talkline: Providing confidential peer support, info, and resources for callers 25 and younger. Monday – Friday, 4 pm to 12 am ET; Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm ET. 800.246.7743. 
  • Method Explorer: One-stop-shop to learn about the various methods of birth control.
  • National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: Provides educational programs, resources and consultation to health care organizations with the goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and all sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) people. 
  • No More Secrets: To decrease uterine care and menstrual health disparities in underserved communities through the eradication of societal stigmas and propagation of resources and scientifically based information.
  • Out2Enroll: Out2Enroll is a national initiative launched in September 2013 to connect our communities—LGBT people and our families, friends, and allies—with the new health insurance coverage options available under the Affordable Care Act.
  • Planned Parenthood of Illinois
  • Positively Aware: Trusted source of HIV treatment and advocacy news.
  • Proud & Thriving Framework: A framework to develop and strengthen mental health support for LGBTQ+ students across the country.
  • Reproductive Health Access Project: The Reproductive Health Access Project (RHAP) trains, supports, and mobilizes primary care clinicians to ensure equitable access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion. By centering communities most impacted by barriers to care, RHAP fills critical gaps in clinical education and care delivery. RHAP focuses on three key areas: Abortion, Contraception, and Miscarriage. 
  • SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline(24/7): Confidentially connects LGBTQ+ older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen. 877.360.LGBT (877.360.5428).
  • Scarleteen: Inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationships information for teens and emerging adults. Specifically addresses LGBTQIA+ concerns.
  • Together TakeMeHome: Individuals who qualify can order a FREE at home HIV testing kit (no insurance required). 
  • The Network/La Red Hotline(24/7): Hotline provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ folks, as well as folks in kink and polyamorous communities who are being abused or have been abused by a partner. 800.832.1901.
  • Transgender Law Center (TLC): Knowledgeable care can mean the difference between life and death for our community. TLC improves access to health care and the quality of that care through provider and community education, litigation, and policy research and advocacy.
  • Trans Lifeline(24/7): An anonymous and confidential trans-led organization without nonconsensual active rescue that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive. US 877.565.8860; Canada 877.330.6366.
  • Transgender Map: Website about gender identity, gender expression and how to make a gender transition.
  • Trevor Project(24/7): The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people. Call 866.488.7386; Text “TREVOR” to 1.202.304.1200; or chat.
  • Understanding Gender Identity: Guide to understanding gender identity and expression. 
  • Understanding Sexual Orientation: Guide to understanding sexual orientation. 

Apps:

  • 10% Happier: Meditation for a happier, healthier you.
  • Aura: Take care of your emotions, get restful sleep, and become the best you with Aura.
  • Dark Noise: Dark Noise is an app that offers a wide range of different noises to help you sleep, focus, or relax. (The app is normally available for $3.99, but they have opened the TestFlight beta for free to everyone during this time)
  • Insight Timer: #1 free app for sleep, anxiety and stress.
  • Smiling Mind: How to support children in times of crisis. A guide to support emotional wellbeing with trauma informed mindfulness.
  • UCLA Mindful App: With this easy-to-use app, you can practice mindfulness meditation anywhere, anytime with the guidance of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. Scientific research shows mindfulness can help manage stress-related physical conditions, reduce anxiety and depression, cultivate positive emotions, and help improve overall physical health and well-being.

Podcasts/Youtube:

E-Books:

Tips and Tricks:

  • Search various #’s on X or Instagram that are Fitness/Wellness related. If you like their content, give them a follow or follow the particular # so that the content shows up on your feed. Some good #’s to follow or search (#fitness #wellness #groupexercise #wellbeing #exercise #fitfam)
  • Have a Reddit Account? Join your favorite Wellness communities to engage in conversations or read more about other fitness Podcasts, gadget, books, workout plans, etc. recommendations. Potential communities to join on Reddit: Wellness; WellnessCoaching; WellnessOver30; FitnessMotivation; Nutrition; homegym… or search and find a community that best suits your needs! 
  • Join a Facebook community by searching a wellness/fitness area you’re interested in and see what’s out there. Find a community you like and ask to join so you can see the latest conversations about various wellness topics. 
  • Give @harper_wellness a follow on Instagram or join the Harper Wellness Yammer group to stay informed of all of the Harper College Wellness activities and conversations! 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: 10/29/24