害羞草研究所淚 felt heard, seen, and understood talking to you. Thank you for talking to me and thank you for telling me that I害羞草研究所檓 incredible, it害羞草研究所檚 hard to remember how much progress I have made. Thank you,害羞草研究所� 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. March 25-29 is Crisis Line Awareness Week, and for this week害羞草研究所檚 feature we highlight some of the reasons people volunteer for this important role. We also want to highlight that Canada now has simple three-digit number to call or text: 9-8-8. And the line available 24/7 to anyone in crisis or thinking of suicide.

Anonymity is key to Crisis Lines services, for both the callers and the responders, and so I cannot share any specific names but Shae Sloan, the Crisis Line Coordinator, asked some of the supervising Crisis Line Responders to share their thoughts about why they continue to volunteer for this demanding but rewarding role.

害羞草研究所淰olunteering for the Crisis Line is an incredibly impactful way for you to give back to your community and support others,害羞草研究所� said one volunteer. 害羞草研究所淪eeing the direct impact you can make in people害羞草研究所檚 lives is a rewarding experience and is the biggest reason I害羞草研究所檝e volunteered for nearly 5 years. It is also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and become a part of a supportive network.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淭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,害羞草研究所� added another. 害羞草研究所淭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.害羞草研究所�

Since the pandemic, the Crisis Line has seen an increase in the number of calls received each year and the need for help continues to rise.

害羞草研究所淭here is an increased need for people to feel connected and to reach out to self-manage mental health concerns,害羞草研究所� says Sloan. 害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 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.害羞草研究所�

Gratitude is expressed by most responders.

害羞草研究所淚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,害羞草研究所� said one. 害羞草研究所淚 volunteer with the Crisis Line because it gives me a sense of fulfillment, pride, and accomplishment.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淭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,害羞草研究所� said another. 害羞草研究所淪upporting my fellow volunteers and having the opportunity to foster a supportive community also makes me feel incredibly grateful.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淚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,害羞草研究所� added a third volunteer. 害羞草研究所淚t is those moments that make me feel like what I am doing actually matters and is actually making a difference in someone害羞草研究所檚 life.害羞草研究所�

The gratitude flows both ways, with one caller recently sharing: 害羞草研究所淚 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.害羞草研究所�

Our thanks to both the Crisis Line responders and the callers 害羞草研究所� 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.