The sample size of the survey was 3,027 people, 18 years of age or older, living throughout Canada.
Despite the hardships so many people are going through, Rita Field, executive director of the Crisis Intervention Service in Saskatoon, believes it is more important than ever for people to reach out for support.
“We found that 30 percent of all our calls are related to the epidemic,” she said. “It can be a practical help, but it can also relate to their feelings and their mental health.
“People are asking for help, and that’s important.”
Field says it has been a challenge for her employees who work in 24-hour support centers as they cope with the busiest time of the year while also working on COVID-19 precautions.
“It was challenging, and it really speaks to the commitment of our employees,” she said. “We are very grateful that we have not had to reduce or stop the service in any way. We are a 24/7 service. We want to normalize the need to communicate and provide support at the level we can.”
Field says that despite the hardships people are going through, there is a silver lining.
“It was all difficult,” she said, “but I’ve also seen people really work together and am grateful for their help.” “I think metaphorically a lot of people tie weapons, because we can’t really do it. I’m optimistic that together we can feel more hopeful in the future.
“Better days are coming. It is important that we be supportive of each other.”
A full list of crisis hotlines can be found by checking out Sask. 211 locations.
