You Talk, We’ll Listen

Callers’ top two reasons for phoning are relational issues and mental health

The number one reason people call Telecare regards family estrangement followed by mental health issues such as depression and stress.

“Unfortunately, taken together, these twin struggles can lead to a dead-end for dialogue for some people who seek help,” explains Executive Director Bill Strom at Telecare Crisis & Caring Line. “We know that talking about our mental health can begin meaningful dialogue, however if mental health is brought on by conflict at home, opening up there might be unlikely or unfruitful.” 

Proportionately, over half the calls to Telecare regard relational problems with loved ones and friends.

No one to turn to

“Another sobering fact is that over half our callers live alone, and 75% of them are separated or divorced. This means they have no one to turn to in the household. Even if they wish to talk about mental health, no one is there to listen.”

These patterns underscore the role helplines play to support people struggling with mental health. Even people under the care of psychiatrists and counseling psychologists phone call centres between health professional appointments. 

Top ten

Telecare is one of ten helplines in British Columbia that make up the Crisis Line Association of British Columbia (see crisislines.bc.ca).

Crisis line listeners do not offer counseling but provide empathetic support for callers and help them think through their problems and possible solutions. Other times callers just need to vent. “We sometimes label what we do as ‘telephone befriending’ because what callers really crave is a trustworthy friend,” said Strom.

Contact Telecare

Telecare is a faith-based ministry where callers may request prayer if they wish. The centre receives calls from people of diverse backgrounds and creeds and can be reached province wide at 1-888-852-9099.