Working for Illinois Caucus

Oswego State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit is encouraging people to check in on their mental health. She has been assigned to a state committee on suicide prevention.

"I just want to encourage everybody. I know it’s a conversation that’s hard to have but, I as a parent have that conversation with my children even now that they’re adults and stress to them that life gets hard," Kifowit said.

"Sometimes you might have a feeling that you might not wanna be with this life But, as a loved one I love you, we want you here on this earth with us and if things get tough to let us know just to have that conversation and you have to have it frequently because don’t just assume somebody’s happy because they’re smiling on the outside. They can be crying on the inside."

Kifowit says there are many mental health resources available.

One way to get immediate help is by calling 988.