The Prince George branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association would like residents to practice empathy during Mental Health Week across Canada.
Program Manager, Shirley Hogan told MyPGNow.com being less empathetic towards others is anything but a localized problem.
“We know that there has been a decline in British Columbians with their level of empathy. It’s down from 23% in March of 2020 to 13% according to our most recent studies.”
Hogan added showing empathy for others is mutually beneficial.
“Just being able to have that empathy for them, not only does that help them but it actually helps us too with our own mental health in that it can remind us not only to have compassion and empathy for others but for ourselves and our own mental health.”
Within the last two months, BC has lifted the remaining major health restrictions in relation to COVID-19. Health officials dropped the mask mandate in March followed by the BC Vaccine Card last month.
Despite this, Hogan stated there are still pockets of the popular who are hesitant to return to pre-pandemic life.
“For a lot of people, it will be very scary. We are already seeing a big increase in people’s anxiety levels when it comes to thinking about re-engaging in the community.”
“It’s not going to be an easy adjustment for everyone and for some people, it’s going to be a very difficult adjustment. There is not only still the fear of COVID itself, but just trying to make that adjustment of spending so much time alone and by themselves to going back out and leaving their house.”
In addition, Hogan believes the Car 60 Program has been a major plus in the northern capital.
It’s a joint venture between the PG RCMP and Northern Health where medical professionals ride along with police to assist with mental and emotional health calls.
But, Hogan would like to see the program undergo a minor change.
“If we can expand that service to somehow make it a 24-hour service that would make it even a bigger impact for those affected with mental health issues and struggles.”
“I do think we still have some areas of improvement. For example, it’s not a 24-hour service and I know that there is currently a pilot project where the police are attending with someone with lived experience.”
From 2015 to 2019, Prince George saw a 120% increase in the number of mental-health-related calls according to the RCMP.