It’s no secret that a worldwide pandemic can have massive effects on your mental health.
In fact, over 50% of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated during COVID-19, which is not surprising considering the strenuous circumstances that we’ve been under.
For those of us who were already struggling with mental health issues, the pandemic has compounded matters.
Even before COVID-19 was a thing, it was reported that 1 in 4 people living on Vancouver Island struggle with mental health issues – and this could very well be a family member, friend, colleague or neighbour.
Now, more than ever, the world’s focus is on staying connected; today, January 28th also marks Bell Let’s Talk Day, which looks to remove the stigma around mental health and start conversations we all need to have.
Thankfully, there are many free (or low cost) resources in the Greater Victoria area to take advantage of – take a look at the list below:
Free 24 hour crisis counselling and emergency support:
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
- Call: 1-888-494-3888
- Text: 250-800-3806
- Chat: Online
Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre crisis and information line
- Call: 250-383-3232
Victoria Women’s Transition House 24hr crisis line
- Call: 250-385-6611
Integrated Mobile Crisis Response Team (Emergency Mental Health)
- Visit online
Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health)
Victoria Mental Health Centre
- Call: 250-370-8175
- Visit online
Emergency shelters and counseling for women:
Victoria Women’s Transition House community office
- Call: 250-592-2927
- Visit online
Bridges (Victoria and area)
- Call: 250-385-7410
- Visit online
Sooke Transition House (Westshore)
- Call: 250-642-2543
First Nations Resources:
Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services (Victoria)
- Call: 250-383-2990
- Visit online
Victoria Native Friendship Centre (Victoria)
- Call: 250-384-3211
- Visit online
Counselling agencies with free or low cost programs:
Citizen’s Counseling Centre (Victoria)
- Call: 250-384-9934
- Visit online
Mary Manning Centre/Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Society (Victoria)
- Call: 250-385-6111
- Visit online
Pacific Centre Family Services (Westshore)
- Call: 250-478-8357
- Visit online
Addictions-related counselling and groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (Victoria and area)
- Visit online
Al-Anon (Victoria and area)
- Call: 250-383-4020
- Visit online
Narcotics Anonymous (Victoria and area)
- Call: 1-855-562-2262
- Visit online
Umbrella Society (Victoria and area)
- Call: 250-380-0595
- Visit online
Free Employment Assistance and Counselling
GT Hiring Solutions (Victoria)
- Call: 250-388-0858
- Visit online
Worklink BC (Westshore)
- Call: 250-478-9525
- Visit online
Other helpful mental health organizations
Eating Disorders Clinic (Victoria)
Call: 250-387-0000
Visit online
Men’s Trauma Centre (Victoria)
- Call: 250-381-6367
- Visit online
The Victoria Youth Clinic
- Call: 250-383-3552
- Visit online
Big Brothers Big Sisters (Victoria)
- Call: 250-475-1117
- Visit online
If you or someone you know needs help, call the B.C. Crisis Centre Distress Line number at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433.
