Mental health services are in growing demand right now as a tough economy translates to stressful times for many of us. Crisis hotlines are becoming an especially popular way to get help anonymously. Rockford's 24-hour line has seen a major spike in calls.

"Access Center this is Jori, how may I help you?"

Sometimes a friendly voice at the end of the line is all it takes to bring hope to people struggling with depression. That's what the Rockford mental health center Janet Wattles offers with it's 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline; and the service is needed now more than ever.

"We've had about a 70% increase in January than we did from the calls that happened in December," says Charity Shaw-Moyado, Associate Director of Janet Wattles.

Shaw-Moyado believes the spike is partly due to stressful economic conditions.

"It's like a snowball effect, it could be the loss of a job, which could lead to housing or a divorce, or a relationship ending, or some turmoil in a parent-child conflict," says Shaw-Moyado. "Unemployment also puts people at risk for abusing substances."

All Janet Wattles service are in higher demand right now, but Shaw-Moyado says the hotline is especially important, because it allows people to remain anonymous and it's easily accessible.

Anyone calling the national 24-hour lines: 1-800-273-talk or 1-800-suicide from Winnebago or Boone Counties is automatically connected to a Janet Wattles employee.

Trained staff help callers make a plan to tackle their problems and build up a support system.

"Reengaging or reconnecting with some family members and talking with them about you know I'm going through some tough times and I need some help," says Shaw-Moyado. "Sometimes it could be a spiritual advisor. It could be social service agencies."

Whatever it takes to wring some hope out of despair.

Shaw-Moyado says another area that's seen a sharp increase in demand is counseling for children in crisis. She says that could be a trickle down from the added stress parents are under.

Shaw-Moyado adds it's important that friends and family don't hesitate to ask if a loved one starts acting differently, becoming detached, sleeping or crying a lot. Ask if you can help. One sign it could become more serious, if a loved one starts saying goodbyes. Never be afraid to ask directly if they're thinking of suicide.