Every Brilliant Thing Resource Guide 

Mental health challenges, like those experienced by the characters in Every Brilliant Thing, are common. If you or someone you know needs support, here are some national and local resources who provide counseling, crisis intervention and mental health care:

988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance abuse, and more. Text, call or chat 988. 

Here are some local organizations who provide counseling, crisis intervention and mental health care: 

Family Service of Glencoe 

847-835-5111 | www.familyserviceofglencoe.org

The Josselyn Center - Multiple North Shore Locations 

224-505-5052 | www.josselyn.org

Howard Brown Health - Multiple Chicago Locations 

773-388-1600 | www.howardbrown.org

Northwestern Memorial Hospital Crisis Hotline 
312-926-8100 

NorthShore Health System Crisis Intervention Services 

847-570-2500 

And here is a grounding exercise provided by our dramaturg and licensed social worker: 

Engaging with Your Environment

Bringing an awareness to the world outside of whatever pain/urgency/overwhelm/fear we’re experiencing internally can shift our perspective and de-escalate feelings of panic and isolation. This can look like anything from a formal grounding exercise (see below) to opening a window, getting a glass of water, or putting on more comfortable clothes.  

Use your senses as a guide, taking stock of your experience and making adjustments where necessary. This helps bring the focus to what you can control vs. what you can’t. 

• 5 — Name 5 things you can see.
• 4 — Name 4 things you can hear.
• 3 — Name 3 things you can feel.
• 2 — Name 2 things you can smell.
• 1 — Name 1 thing you can taste.

Focusing on your sensory experiences does a couple of things: it helps bring you back into your body, shifts your perspective and sense of awareness, and gives your mind something to do, disrupting an anxiety spiral. If some of the things you see, hear and feel are pleasant and calming, that’s a bonus!