CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As we start another week of staying home, the Will County is reminding residents they have mental health professionals available. An emotional support hotline for people struggling with the coronavirus epidemic has already connected dozens in Will County during its first week.
Behavioral Health Director Dr. Joe Troianai said many of the calls referred to the Will County Health Department from the state hotline were from people feeling overwhelmed by coronavirus.
"If they watch the news too much, it increases their anxiety. Sometimes having a difficult time sorting out what's fact, what's fiction. It is kind of like being in a disaster movie, but it is every day," he said.
He said coronavirus, the isolation, and job losses that is has brought with it are breeding fear, anxiety, and worry in many of us.
"We are having a normal reaction to a very abnormal situation," Dr. Troianai said.
The Will County Health Department has about 30 clinicians responding to calls forwarded to it's public health department from the statewide Call4Calm Text Line within 24 hours, whether it is to set up therapy, connect residents to resources, or just be a sympathetic ear.
Dr. Troianai said that is in addition to keeping up with their regular patients.
"That's even ramping up, where we are going to have more requently check-in calls, but they are also available to respond," he said.
Dr. Troiani said they're checking in with a couple of patients three times a week and referring some others to psychiatrists like himself.
"If someone is not quite sure if they should make that call, make the call," he said.
You can reach mental health professionals anywhere in Illinois by texting the word TALK to 552020.
