Depression and Suicide Rates Increasing In Illinois

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. 

According to a Boston University School of Public Health study published last week by the JAMA Network, prevalence of depression symptoms has risen 3 times higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. The 21st also takes a look at a recent piece from The Trace in July showing how in Cook County, Illinois, there has been an alarming rise in suicides in Black communities.

The 21st is joined by the lead author of the study as well as the reporter following the story.

Guests:

Lakeidra Chavis, reporter for The Trace in Chicago, a non-profit newsroom reporting on gun violence, and author of the recent piece 'In Chicago, a Steep Rise in Suicide Among Black People

Catherine Ettman, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Office of the Dean at Boston University, and lead author of the recent study 'Prevalence of Depression Symptoms in US Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic' published by the JAMA Network

Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi

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