CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As coronavirus cases statewide surpassed 41,000 Saturday, officials acknowledged the increased need for mental health resources to help residents who feel the mental strains from the pandemic.
The Kedzie Center, a North Side community-funded mental health clinic, is ramping up services to match the demand from people who want virtual therapy to combat worries of grief, anxiety, relationship strains and youth worried about the future.
Angela Sedeño, executive director of the center, said its mental health counselors have been providing bilingual therapy sessions and sharing resources online since the pandemic hit.
"For many, the pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities," Sedeño said at the governor's daily press briefing. "But you are not alone. We are experiencing this event together."
She said it's important people's concerns are heard and valued, adding that addressing emotional needs can lead to greater human connection, something desperately needed during this time.
She said people want answers on how to cope with the pandemic, but the best advice Sedeño gave was to honor emotions and find ways to stay calm. And not to feel shame or guilt about accessing mental health resources.
"Take time to take extra care of yourself without judgment and do activities that restore your piece of mind," she said. "Caring for yourself is a necessary act of self-preservation."
Meditation, deep breathing, exercise, regular sleep and eating well are some activities people can do to instill a sense of calm into their daily lives, she said.
Other city and state mental health hotlines are available in English and Spanish for all Illinoisans. The NAMI Chicago Helpline is available 7 days a week at 833-626-4244 and Illinois' Call4Calm Text Line launched April 11 and is open 24 hours a day. Text TALK to 552020 for English or HABLAR for Spanish.
Pritzker announced the Illinois Helpline at 833-2FIND HELP for opioids and substance abuse is also available for those who need health-related support.
These resources come as new numbers show the virus is still heavily spreading. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said more testing has shown more cases. The state reported 80 more deaths and 2,119 new coronavirus cases Saturday. The total cases are now at 41,777 and there have been 1,874 deaths.
Saturday also marked the second consecutive day that the state exceeded its goal of testing 10,000 people; Ngozi announced over 11,000 tests were done in the last 24 hours.