Calls to B.C. crisis lines spike during heat wave

The B.C. crisis lines says it has been inundated by calls during heat waves this summer, likening it to what volunteers saw during last year’s heat dome.

British Columbians are experiencing more anxiety amid the heat and also the threat of wildfires, the Crisis Centre of B.C. says, leading to more calls being made to 1-800-SUICIDE and the province-wide mental health support line, 310-6789.

“Calls to the mental health crisis line and suicide intervention line increase during heatwaves,” says Asha Croggon with the Crisis Line Network. “We saw an increase last year during the heat dome and the devastating wildfires, and we are seeing it happen again this year.”

Croggon says there have been increases of up to 25 per cent, depending on the region and severity and intensity of the heat wave and wildfire threat.

“This is in addition to the increased call volume and complexity of calls since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she pointed out.

Just over a year since the traumatic near-total loss of the Village of Lytton to wildfire, Croggon says rural and remote communities are especially impacted this year.

Extreme weather events can be a “tipping point” in people’s wellness, according to the group.

“People feel more isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed”

“They’re feeling frayed, and climate change issues feel so much bigger than what they can take on, so their resources and coping strategies are shrinking, and relationships are feeling the strain,” Croggon explained, adding crisis lines offer people to just listen.

“[That] might seem passive, but being truly heard can de-escalate the situation and then we can work collaboratively with the caller to create a self-care plan.”

Crisis line responders can also help callers in the event an evacuation notice or order is issued.

While it’s crucial that their call-takers be there for those in crisis, Croggon says it’s just as important to take care of those volunteers and staff responders.

“We have an approach within crisis lines: How we do something is just as important as what we do. If our own people are burning out tending to the wellness and safety of others, then we are working at cross purposes with our mission,” she said.

Workers are provided their own counselling support and are urged to take breaks when needed.

Related articles:

• ‘Like giving your lungs a sunburn’: expert as mini Metro Vancouver heat wave continues

• Heat warning in effect, cooling centres open across Lower Mainland

• Heat warning issued for Metro Vancouver

“There are many reasons why people reach out to crisis lines — we’re always grateful that they do,” Croggon said.

Crisis lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Here’s how to access services from the Crisis Centre:

Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky: 1-866-661-3311
Online Chat Service for Youth: YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
Online Chat Service for Adults: CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)

The BC Crisis Line Network, comprised of 10 local crisis centres from around B.C., answers calls to 1-800-SUICIDE, 310-6789 Mental Health, and regional distress lines. The centres provide lifesaving crisis de-escalation services, suicide risk assessment, and strengths-based collaborative safety planning and follow-up.