Crisis helpline gets more calls in bad economy

Daniel Garrett works at the Crisis Line of Central Virginia and answers the phone, “Crisis line. How can I help you?”

Workers like him are answering more calls than usual.

“You see a lot more rise in desperation in people. As resources dry up in different communities, people are looking harder and harder to find help,” Garrett said.

Executive Director, Joyce Sachs, said more calls are coming in because of the bad economy, especially after lay-offs.

“It’s hard especially for those people who’ve never been in that situation before. They don’t know where to reach, where to turn to,” said Sachs.

The Crisis Line has seen a 25% increase in calls since last summer when they say the economy started to unravel, and people were dealing with foreclosures. They’re seeing more calls from specific areas.

“We also reach the Pittsylvania/Danville area with our hotline and I know that’s increased tremendously,” said Sachs.

Workers say middle-age callers are increasing, many who’ve never lost their job before and are trying to deal with these situations for the first time. On the suicide line, Sachs said, they get 50 more calls per week than in the past. From 9 p.m. to midnight is when the phones really start to ring.

“At night is when people get home from looking for jobs all day and they get home and are just really distressed,” said Garrett.

Although it’s a new year, when it comes to calls, “I think we’ll see even more now in 2009,” Sachs said.

She’s concerned about people who call in, but also worries about those who don’t.

“Please give us a call because we’re going to help you find those resources and do the best we can,” she said.

If you need to talk to somebody, whether it’s a financial problem or not, you can call the Crisis Line of Central Virginia. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The Crisis Line of Central Virginia also says they need more volunteers to help out. You can reach the business office at 434-947-5921.