Blog Layout
Thank You for Listening
By Debbie Cazander
Cindy's Challenges
*Cindy** calls Telecare on a semi-regular basis and has done so for many years. When she first began to call Telecare she was married and dealing with various challenges; including having been arrested for shoplifting and for using drugs. During these early conversations with Cindy, she would often talk about her remorse for stealing and from being banned from a favourite store. She knew it was her own fault that she now had to go out of her way to shop at another store. Cindy felt she would never be able to stop taking drugs and on top of everything, her marriage was crumbling.
A Safe Place
We listened to Cindy and allowed her a safe place to share her concerns. In the years that followed, Cindy and her husband did divorce, the store ban was lifted and eventually with much support she overcame the drug addiction.
Life Has Not Been Easy
For a few years, we did not hear from Cindy very often. She started calling again not too long ago. She had heard that her ex-husband had suddenly passed away and this unsettled her, as she remembered the good times and love they had shared in the beginning. Life has not been easy for Cindy and financially she has struggled.
Thank you
We allow Cindy to express her feelings during calls and we ask her open-ended questions, that we hope will bring some direction to her thoughts. Most times, in response to our questioning, Cindy will verbally think through the situation she is in and come up with ways to deal with the circumstances of her life. She ends almost every call by thanking us for listening.
*Composite profile to maintain caller confidentiality**not the caller's real name
Need Someone to Listen?
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. If you're seeking a compassionate ear and a heart that understands, we encourage you to call us. Support is just a phone call away. See below for information how to connect with us.
Discover Hope in Every Email
Join our community for uplifting stories, expert advice, and a path to healing.
Get the support you need
For Crisis or Emotional Support Call:
- 604-852-9099 in Abbotsford and Mission
- 1-888-852-9099 toll free throughout British Columbia
- If you are in a life threatening crisis, please call 911
Recent Posts
> End your Anxiety: A Prayerful Approach
> Renew your Strength – God's Promise to You
> Bible Verses that Help When You're Afraid | Telecare
Finding Light in the Darkness: A Reflection on Philippians 4:8
Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, yet it is often shrouded in misconceptions and stigma. Let's explore three common stigmas and how to receive help if needed.
The first time Samuel* called he was upbeat and positive. He shared with us that life was good in the big city. He lived on his own in his newly-renovated apartment, and drove one of the nicest cars in his complex. Samuel shared that he kept fit and wondered at times if he was the envy of other elderly men—and women—around him.
Robert* began calling Telecare in 2020 during the pandemic. We learned that he had been living on his own already due to a messy divorce from his wife and being “written off” by two daughters. Robert shared that he misses his family immensely and wants to reconcile with them. We affirmed that reconciliation is a worthy goal while not always possible.
Ned* began calling Telecare six years ago in the wake of a bad fall he took at work that left him unable to work without experiencing severe back pain. Efforts to learn new skills have been complicated by his health condition and general aptitudes.
Kerri began calling Telecare in her 50s when life’s struggles were too much to carry alone. She shared about being raised in a family where her father was an alcoholic and her mother schizophrenic.
Cindy* calls us on a semi-regular basis and has done so for many years. When she first began to call Telecare she was married and dealing with various challenges, including having been arrested for shoplifting and for using drugs.
One day Louisa told me that she felt like she was nobody’s priority, nobody’s first choice. It hit me that her biggest problem was not unemployment or even the loss she had experienced, but more the crushing belief that she did not matter.
On any given day, millions of people from all walks of life around the world reach out to someone for help. Whether it's due to mental health concerns, stressful life events like the loss of a loved one, substance use disorder challenges or something else entirely—seeking assistance is both brave and necessary.
When someone calls our Telecare Crisis and Caring Line, they often have nowhere else to turn. For some, life has become overwhelmingly difficult and lonesome.
Contact Info
Emergencies: 911
Supportive Listening: 604-852-9099
Supportive Listening (Toll Free): 1-888-852-9099
Admin. 604-852-4058
Email: admin@telecarebc.com