Negotiating pay when I have been out of work (Chicago)

I have been out of work for 6 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. It has been weighing on me all week. I do not want to price myself out. Does giving a range hurt?

Asking about the range for the role first worked for me. Some recruiters share it.

I gave a range based on local postings and said I was flexible depending on the whole package. They did not push back.