Healthcare providers in Illinois say they are seeing an increase in individuals who are experiencing mental illness for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic.

With people at home and in many cases out of work, Jessica Smiley with Heritage Behavioral Health Center says they are seeing an increase in individuals who are experiencing things like depression and anxiety for the first time.

Governor JB Pritzker's 'Call for Calm' call and text program has been made available to the state of Illinois residents for free. Smiley says they are a partner in that program and they are starting to see an increase in calls and texts from the community.

For those that think they may be experiencing some of these things, Smiley says there are signs to look out for like being overtaken by worry about the situation and if your attitude has changed.

For individuals that think taking the next step after recognizing they may be experiencing mental illness symptoms, Smiley indicates if you are not sure, have conversations with someone close to you. If you are thinking about serious harm, seek help immediately.

Roughly one in five people experience mental illness during their lives and many may think the coronavirus would bring that number higher but Smiley contends that number is probably higher anyways because of the number of people that experience these issues but never seek out help.