CMHA experiencing increase in Crisis-line use; concerned of increased alcohol use

“When we look at what we’re facing right now in terms of stress and trauma, we’re living in – I keep using the term – this surreal world, we know that one of the things people do when faced with stress or trauma is often trying to bury the emotions and bury the feelings, and alcohol is a very good means of doing that,” CMHA’s Mary Lu Spagrud explained on how easy it is to become dependent on alcohol.

The Manager of Education with the Prince George branch continued, “as a society, we have this idea that showing weakness or responding with stress or trauma (crying, reaching out for help, asking for assistance) is seen as a weakness. The reality is it isn’t, it takes more strength and is actually much better for us.”

Spagrud says under current circumstances, everyone is vulnerable to the risk factors associated with alcoholism.

“This is happening in our own backyard. Most of us know someone who’s maybe been directly impacted, and then we’re not just looking at the disease process, but we’re also looking at how now some people are having to home school their children, trying to figure out how to work from home, facing job layoff, or maybe permanent closer. Those are financial concerns. So what we’re seeing is sort of a stack on stack, and that stress and trauma, and alcohol is a quick fix to that for some.”

For additional information regarding resources, you can visit the CMHA website.

The local branch has been offering webinars, as well as online programming such as Bounce Back.

Spagrud also recommends residence look at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction’s low-risk drinking guidelines as a way to be safer with alcohol.

If you’re in need of immediate assistance, you can contact 310-6789 from anywhere in the Province of British Columbia.

by Ethan Ready

CMHA experiencing increase in Crisis-line use; concerned of increased alcohol use

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