As COVID-19 continues to surge through the province, mental health struggles are becoming more concerning.
The Crisis Centre for Northern BC says crisis lines in Prince George have been busier, resulting in a 25 per cent increase in call volume compared to the same time last year due to the pandemic. The centre says many callers are feeling anxious and depressed.
A survey commissioned by Pacific Blue Cross and carried out by Insights West among 800 adults in the province from Sept. 16 to 24, shows 50 per cent of British Columbians have difficulty accessing the mental health care they need.
The research also says while 37 per cent are depressed and anxious, only 15 per cent seek counselling support.
In turn, the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation has made a $10,000 donation to northern B.C.'s crisis line to help volunteers and provide the much-needed service to those in Northern Health.
“This research offers a clear call to action to every British Columbian during this unprecedented time," President, Board of Directors of the Crisis Line Association of BC and Executive Director, Crisis Centre for Northern BC Sandra Boulianna said in a release.
"Your friends, family, neighbours or co-workers may be struggling, and fears of stigma and marginalization may be impeding them from seeking professional support.
"Crisis lines offer a community “safety net”, playing a huge preventative role when people are in crisis and don’t know where to turn, particularly during a pandemic when we are reducing our social engagements.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the Health Foundation for supporting crisis lines across BC, which provided us much needed funding to answer the spike in calls we’re receiving."
B.C. crisis lines have experienced a 27 per cent increase themselves in call volumes since the pandemic reached the province in January.
The Pacific Blue Cross survey shows many more residents in B.C. are seeking support for anxiety (up 47 per cent), depression (40 per cent increase) and loneliness or isolation (24 per cent increase).
The survey also reveals almost three times more people (52 per cent increase) reported poor mental health now compared to when COVID-19 hit (19 per cent).
Four in 10 people said they are exercising less and three in 10 people reported poor sleep.
Another 24 per cent of participants said they are not eating well while 19 per cent stated they are using more alcohol.
Crisis lines are always available for those seeking help 24/7, every day of the year.
If you or someone you know is thinking about ending their life or are concerned about someone who is, you can call:
- 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger to themselves or others
- Northern BC Crisis Line - 1-888-562-1214
- BC Crisis line - 1-866-661-3311
- Text CONNECT to 686868 (the Kids Help Line) or call 1-800-668-6868
- Canada Suicide Prevention Line - 1-833-456-4566
