鈥淚 felt heard, seen, and understood talking to you. Thank you for talking to me and thank you for telling me that I'm incredible, it's hard to remember how much progress I have made. Thank you.鈥� 鈥� Crisis Line Caller
This quote underscores the important service that KCR has been providing for over 40 years: The Crisis Line. This invisible safety net is only possible because of the incredible volunteers that commit their time freely every day (and at all hours of the day) to answer the call of someone in distress. I am writing about Crisis Line Responders. January can often bring about feelings of loneliness and crisis, resulting from things such as post holiday debt and seasonal impacts of short days and lack of light. The third Monday of January (this year January 20) is also recognized by some as 鈥淏lue Monday鈥�. The reality is that your feelings matter any time of year and when life gets overwhelming, remember that Canada now has simple three-digit number to call or text: 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in crisis or thinking of suicide 24/7/365.
Anonymity is key to Crisis Lines services, for both the callers and the responders, and so we cannot share any specific names but here are some of the supervising Crisis Line Responders鈥� thoughts about why they continue to volunteer for this demanding but rewarding role.
鈥淰olunteering for the Crisis Line is an incredibly impactful way for you to give back to your community and support others,鈥� says one volunteer. 鈥淪eeing the direct impact you can make in people's lives is a rewarding experience and is the biggest reason I've volunteered for nearly 5 years. It is also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and become a part of a supportive network.鈥�
鈥淭his experience has really made me into a more caring and empathetic individual, and allowed me to be a better support for my loved ones,鈥� adds another. 鈥淭he Crisis Line has taught me to communicate in an empathetic, non-judgemental way. You can learn so much about a person and their experiences/feelings by stepping back and truly listening to what they are going through. These skills have helped me build better communication and better relationships in my own life.鈥�
Mental Health concerns are definitely on the rise and the Crisis Line has seen an increase in the number of calls received each year and the need for help continues to rise.
鈥淭here is an increased need for people to feel connected and to reach out to self-manage mental health concerns,鈥� says Christina MacIsaac, Crisis Line Manager for KCR Community Resources. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important for me to let the community know that they can call the Crisis Line at any time, for any matters that are causing them distress. Challenges faced by people calling in range from simply feeling overwhelmed or lonely, to people who are feeling suicidal and need support. The Crisis Line Responders are here to answer all calls.鈥�
Gratitude is expressed by most Responders.
鈥淚t brings me comfort to know that I am doing what I can to support my community. I know that when it is my turn to go through tough times, I will be grateful for organizations like the Crisis Line,鈥� says one. 鈥淚 volunteer with the Crisis Line because it gives me a sense of fulfillment, pride, and accomplishment
鈥淭here are so many instances where I have felt like I was able to help someone, even if in a small way, that made me grateful for volunteering for the Crisis Line,鈥� says another. 鈥淪upporting my fellow volunteers and having the opportunity to foster a supportive community also makes me feel incredibly grateful.鈥�
鈥淚t is hard to describe the feeling I get after talking to someone who was ready to end it all and with just a little empathy, validation, and care, that person is ready to fight another day,鈥� adds a third volunteer. 鈥淚t is those moments that make me feel like what I am doing actually matters and is actually making a difference in someone's life.鈥�
The gratitude flows both ways, with one caller recently sharing: 鈥溾�淚 really appreciate you right now. It takes someone really special to be able to deal with this, multiple times a day. Thank you for the talk. I really appreciate it.鈥�
Our thanks to both the Crisis Line Responders AND the Callers 鈥� it takes courage to be on both sides of the call and we are beyond grateful for the opportunity to provide this safety net for the community. Whether it is for you, or for a friend or family member, calling or texting 9-8-8 will connect you to caring people who can help
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.
