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January 10, 2022 - 7:55 AM
It’s been a tough year for B.C. Interior residents, as natural disasters coupled with the pandemic have correlated with an increase in crisis line calls.
“December and January can be challenging times for people so we traditionally do see an increase in those calls during those two months. Having said that, October and November had increased compared to the previous years,” said Asha Crogton, program director with the Interior Crises Line Network.
October 2021 saw a 46% in calls compared to October 2020 and another 22% increase in November compared to the previous year and an increase of 11% in calls in December.
Wildfires this summer were some of the worst on record in B.C. and the fall saw heavy rainfall causing catastrophic landslides and floods that closed main travel arteries across the province.
Following the wildfires, the crisis network saw a 15.7% increase in calls and a 15% increase following floods and landslides in November.
“This isn’t uncommon either. What we’re seeing is potentially crisis fatigue so we’re seeing compounded crises,” Crogton said.
As difficult as the holiday season can be, it can also have a protective element as the community supports one another, but in January there may not be the same level of community engagement and generosity.
“If there could be one request, I would put out for all of us to extend some positive holiday feelings, extend acts of kindness and generosity and connection with others,” she said.
The Interior Crisis Line Network covers the boundaries of the Interior Health Authority.
It’s good that people are reaching out for support, Crogton said.
The Canadian Mental Health Association in Kelowna has also seen an increase in demand and service use from those needing mental health supports, community engagement director Jessica Samuels said.
It’s hard to identity a main reason for the increase, Samuels said the “ground hog day” nature of the pandemic, restrictions and compounding climate change crisis is exhausting.
The Interior Crisis Line can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-353-CARE (2273).
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