Now that we’re out of the frigid weather last week, many Chicagoans are probably looking forward to ringing in the new year without worrying too much about bad weather ruining their plans.
But not everyone is in a celebratory mood. This period can be particularly difficult and triggering.
According to a 2021 study, 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health has taken a nosedive over the holidays. report By the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Another NAMI report found that 64% of people with depression or other mental illness said their condition worsened.
recent suicide 3 Chicago police officers In less than a week, it’s a clear reminder why mental health needs to remain a priority.
The Chicago Police Department has made some progress in hiring clinicians to help officers. CPD currently has 17 clinical therapists, and he has five open positions for a total of 22. That’s just over double the 10 he’s the CPD has had in recent years. A CPD spokesperson assured her that interviews for the remaining positions would continue in her January, and that drug and alcohol counselors, peer support, and chaplains available free of charge to members of the department and their families would provide his services. I added that there is.
“We recognize the need to strengthen and expand these programs,” a spokesperson confirmed.
That recognition is an important step.
On the other hand, as a city as a whole, you must think positively about this point. Many Chicagoans still remember when the city closed several mental health clinics in a cost-cutting move.
As part of its mental health equity plan, the city expected to roll out a 211 phone number in the fall to give residents easy access to health and social services, including counseling.
a 211 website is up and running with a searchable database of services and web chat capabilities to help Chicagoans and suburban Cook County residents get help.
However, the actual 211 phone system is not yet in place. City officials say the county and metro he are working with Chicago’s United Way and hope to get the system back on track quickly in 2023. Everyone has a computer or access to the Internet.
Effective and accessible services are desperately needed. The good news is Chicago is at least having a much-needed conversation about mental health.
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