Skip to main content

MHA, MHA of Illinois and Lundbeck identify communities with highest rates of psychosis, depression, suicidal ideation and trauma

Alexandria, VA, and Deerfield, IL – A new report and accompanying searchable dashboard released today by Mental Health America (MHA) analyzes self-reported mental health concerns between 2020-2022 by ZIP code in Cook County, Illinois. Using MHA Screening data, MHA and Mental Health America Illinois (MHAI) synthesized analyses to provide community-level findings from Cook County and discuss potential policy and programming opportunities to address mental health needs within both Cook County and Illinois.

The report, made possible through funding from Lundbeck US, one of the only biopharmaceutical companies in the world focusing exclusively on brain diseases, provides a visual representation of depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD/trauma, and psychosis and analyzes results by age, income, race, and other demographics, giving a fuller picture of where the greatest mental health needs are in the Chicago-area neighborhoods.

“The ability to zero in on ZIP code can help leaders and organizations prioritize where to send more mental health resources,” said Schroeder Stribling, president and CEO of Mental Health America. “We are now exploring how our work can be replicated in other counties across the country. This investment will result in a direct impact to improve policy decisions and get people help when and where they need it the most.”

Much of the self-reported, de-identified data mirror national concerns, such as youth and historically underrepresented populations seeking help for mental concerns. However, the breakdown by ZIP code shows those experiencing suicidal ideation were particularly high in downtown Chicago and areas around the Loop neighborhood.

“As a purpose-driven company, Lundbeck US is proud to partner with Mental Health America to not only shine a spotlight on the rising mental health challenges across the U.S., but also provide data in such a way that can encourage local resources and support to be allocated where the needs are greatest,” said Tom Gibbs, EVP, Head of Lundbeck US. “With our Lundbeck US headquarters located in the greater Chicagoland area, we hope this data can be used to support the mental health needs of the Chicago community.”

The report outlines three improvement areas for the state and Cook County:

  • Strengthen services for youth and young adults
  • Implement crisis services and support 988 funding
  • Invest in Mental health workforce development and training

“Illinois is fortunate to have bipartisan support for addressing the problems that have been highlighted both by this report and the data produced by MHA Screening,” said Mark Heyrman, chair of the Public Policy Committee at Mental Health America of Illinois. “We urge the legislature and the governor to enact House Bills 1364 and 3230, which will help implement the new 988 emergency response system, House Bill 2456, which will improve access to medications, and Senate Bill 57, which will help ease workforce shortages. The data from MHA Screening will also help us direct these services to those who need them the most.”

Other findings include:

  • Of the 20 ZIP codes with highest rates of depression per 100,000 people in Cook County, 52% were where more than half of depression screeners had a household income under $60,000 and 63% were ZIP codes where less than half of depression screeners were white.
  • Communities of color were more likely to have disproportionate rates of suicidal ideation. Of the 20 ZIP codes with the highest rates of reported suicidal ideation per 100,000 people, 17 (85%) were ZIP codes where less than half of depression screeners identified as white.
  • The rate of possible psychosis by population was higher among predominantly white communities in Cook County. Areas with the highest number of people scoring at risk for psychotic-like experiences per 100,000 people include the Loop, Hometown, and Elk Grove Village.
  • For youth under 18, 60603 in Chicago was the ZIP code with the highest number of individuals reporting frequent suicidal ideation per 100,000 people.

Read the full report here, explore the Cook County data dashboard here, and learn more about the Cook County data dashboard and findings at a May 3 webinar.

###

About Mental Health America

Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal. Learn more at MHAnational.org.

About Mental Health America of Illinois

Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI) works to promote mental health, prevent mental illnesses, and improve the care and treatment of persons suffering from mental and emotional disorders. Their three main focuses are to advocate, to educate, and to inform. MHAI maintains a number of initiatives and services to help carry out its mission. Learn more at mhai.org.

About Lundbeck

H. Lundbeck A/S (LUN.CO, LUN DC, HLUYY) is a global biopharmaceutical company specialized in brain diseases. For more than 70 years, we have been at the forefront of neuroscience research. We are tirelessly dedicated to restoring brain health, so every person can be their best. Our approximately 6,000 employees in more than 50 countries are engaged in the entire value chain throughout research, development, production, marketing and sales. Our pipeline consists of several R&D programs and our products are available in more than 100 countries. We have research centers in Denmark and California and our production facilities are located in Denmark, France and Italy. In the U.S., Lundbeck employs more than 1,000 people focused solely on accelerating therapies for brain disorders. With a special commitment to the lives of patients, families and caregivers, Lundbeck US actively engages in a broad range of initiatives each year that support our patient communities. For additional information, visit http://www.lundbeckus.com.