Vancouver Island Crisis Line Society personnel had a busy 2021. (Upsplash)

By Ian Holmes

important service

‘The need is significant:’ another busy year for crisis line operators

Dec 23, 2021 | 5:35 AM

NANAIMO — Local crisis line operators again demonstrated their immense value with mental health issues topping the list of required support, especially this time of year.

Vancouver Island Crisis Society (VICS) executive director Elizabeth Newcombe said their Nanaimo based operators are projected to have yet another record-breaking year, with call volumes up over last year.

“Vancouver Island wide we’re seeing a nine per cent increase and that’s on top of last year being a nine per cent increase, it just continues to go up.”

Last fiscal year saw a record 34,200 calls placed to VICS and 43,000 total interactions.

Newcombe said the winter holidays are a stress-inducing time for many people where depression and anxieties are exasperated.

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“Holiday season can heighten those feelings and everybody celebrates or doesn’t celebrate differently. It can accentuate that feeling of feeling alone because everyone around you seems busy, or their shopping or they have events to go to.”

VICS inquiries tend to be the highest in January and February.

While call volumes from the Nanaimo area have only climbed moderately this year, Oceanside area inquiries have exploded to the tune of 36 per cent with nearly 750 calls between April and November, Newcombe said.

Calls regarding the stresses of the pandemic fell three to four percent across the island this year to about 10 per cent, while inquiries about the opioid crisis shot up.

Newcombe hopes people who may be struggling alone reach out to a qualified VICS operator.

She said callers can remain anonymous.

“All humans have different life issues…You don’t need to go it alone,” she emphasized.

Newcombe reminded people how important a friendly smile or gesture could have an on individual having a difficult time in their life.

She welled up with tears recalling an instance a few years ago when a complete stranger in downtown Nanaimo could tell she was having a bad day and gave her a hug.

“All of that is suicide prevention. It’s letting people that they matter, that they care, that their presence on this Earth matters and we all do matter.”

A trained Vancouver Island Crisis Society operator can be reached 24-hours a day at 1-888-494-3888.

The VICS has been an Island-wide initiative for the past decade, while the organization launched 50 years ago under the Nanaimo Crisis Centre banner.

More information on VICS programs or how to volunteer for the organization can be found on their website.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes