GUELPH – Calls to the Family Counselling and Support Services distress line normally increase over the holidays, but with the added pressure of the ongoing pandemic, Joanne Young Evans is worried.
Calls have quadrupled since the COVID-19 pandemic began and volunteers are now fielding about 400 calls a week.
“People are calling with so many issues,” said Young Evans, executive director of Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington (FCSSGW), in an interview on Dec. 9.
She listed stress, depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, self-harm and thoughts of suicide as the primary reasons people call the support line (1-888-821-3760).
“Christmas triggers a lot for people and COVID multiplies the situation,” she said.
“COVID is sinking in now. It’s really hitting home. Some people who have been managing okay are finding it’s too much now.”
Close to 100 specially-trained volunteers staff the phone lines seven days a week, from 8am to 10pm. Calls are anonymous, confidential and free.
Callers get not just a sympathetic ear to listen, but referrals and resources to help.
The agency also operates TeleConnect, a call-out service to remind people to take their medication or just check in on their wellness.
A large number of referrals for this service come from hospitals, doctors and paramedics.
Young Evans said isolation has increased with COVID-19 and demand is up for this program too.
There is a cost though, and while most FCSSGW funding comes from United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, the agency still has to raise about $20,000 to keep the lines open.
Thanks to donations on #GivingTuesday (Dec. 1) from various sources, as well as a $5,000 donation from advocacy group #GetInTouchForHutch, the agency has raised $15,000. So they are close.
“I can’t express what these donations mean to the residents of Guelph-Wellington and our agency,” Young Evans said.
“This money has saved lives and can save the life of your friend, neighbour, or family member.”
Myrna Hutchinson, founder of #GetInTouchForHutch, said it was easy to choose the distress line to receive the group’s donation.
Hutchinson’s son Steven died by suicide in 2013. He was 18 and in his first year of university.
“Steven didn’t reach out to anyone,” Hutchinson said. “No one understood the depth of what he was feeling.”
Hutchinson founded #GetInTouchForHutch after his death and speaks at awareness events.
“It’s a full circle thing,” she said.
“We ask for community groups to be present at our awareness events and in turn, we give back to them.”
Hutchinson said she has experienced some depression and is grateful to the people who helped lift her from it.
She encourages people to call the distress line, even if they are just feeling lonely.
“The phone lines are there to provide support and connection. People need to feel okay with reaching out,” she said.
For people worried about the mental state of a friend or loved one, “just check in with them. Phone, zoom, send a text. Be present,” said Hutchinson.
“Sometimes just knowing someone cares can help.”
Visit www.FamilyServiceGuelph.on.ca to find out more about the agency’s programs and services or to donate.
The distress line is 1-888-821-3760.
