Anyone who is feeling suicidal or in distress is encouraged to call 1-800-784-2433.

Crisis Centre BC says calls have nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) — The B.C. Crisis Centre says calls have nearly doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stacy Ashton form the Crisis Centre says many of the calls the center is getting is directly related to fear surrounding the virus.

“We are seeing increased calls and more calls about people who are, you know, wanting to talk about what it’s like to be in self-isolation who are not as connected to their support networks as they will usually be and who are just feeling stressed about the future and what’s what’s happening in the world right now,” Ashton says.

“We range between like 100 and 140 calls a day and now we’re in the 200’s.”

B.C. liquor stores have also experienced sales volumes that have far outpaced seasonal trends. This includes cask wine sales up by 144 per cent, spirits sold in one point 75-liter containers up by 153 per cent and sales of 24 packs of beer up by 120 per cent.

“Generally increase sales means increased consumption and increased consumption does mean increased harms. So I really urge people to find other ways of managing their stress going for walks is still fine, I still okay, joining in with people mindfulness,” Dr. Perry Kendall from BC Centre on Substance Use, says.

While this is a very stressful time, Ashton adds she doesn’t believe suicide rates will increase.

“For the most part, people are going to figure out ways to get through this,” she says.

The BC Crisis Center suicide line can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-784-2433.

If you’re in Metro Vancouver and in distress or need someone to talk to, you can call the crisis center at 604-872-3311.