Health professionals have expressed concern about the toll the coronavirus crisis is having on people’s mental health. Stacy Ashton with Crisis Centre BC says its helpline is being flooded with calls from people trying to cope with the COVID-19 crisis. “They may have loved ones who are ill, they may have lost a job and they’re not sure what to do, they may have a lot of kids at home and that can be overwhelming,” Ashton said.
Rules around physical distancing are also leaving many people feeling isolated, an issue that is a concern for provincial health officer Dr.
Bonnie Henry as much as the province’s caseload. “I encourage people to talk to your physician if you have one — they can talk to you through virtual care,” Henry said.