I’m sure you’ll agree with me, but 2020 hasn’t been all it was cracked up to be. Raise your hand if this was going to “be your year!” 2020: the start of a new decade…we had high hopes. I vividly remember saying to everyone last December, as I quit my job and got my business up and running, that 2020 was going to be BIG! No one could have predicted just how BIG this year would be. With a pandemic and natural disasters, 2020 seems more like something out of an apocalyptical science fiction book.
“Six months ago, none of us could have imagined how our world – and our lives – would be thrown into turmoil by this new virus,” Ghebreyesus said. “The pandemic has brought out the best and the worst of humanity.
-WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
2020 in REVIEW
2020 has been defined by a TP shortage and a surplus of natural, social and health fiascos leaving us in the largest largest economic recession since the Great Depression. No one expected a global pandemic, social and economic disruption, record numbers of natural disasters, mass cancellations and postponements of events, and worldwide lockdowns. Not to mention the murder of George Floyd and resulting protests and civil unrest across the USA and Canada, the massacre in Portapique, Nova Scotia, and…murder hornets. Suffice it to say, 2020 has been a struggle all round. But at least you can safely say you survived the toilet paper shortage of 2020!
So…the 20s have gotten off to a rough start, but that’s not to say there weren’t a few rays of light breaking through the darkness this year. Canada beat Russia in the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, drive in movie theatres are making a comeback, and drive in concerts are now a thing, and hey, sweatpants are now acceptable all day and we get to work from the comfort of bed! Sure, we might have put on a little weight, but we also rediscovered our love for old hobbies like baking and gardening. Tiger King got the whole world talking and TikTok (@northernbcmoms) blew up and our lockdown boredom was finally cured!
Local heroes
“Every struggle in your life has shaped you into the person you are today. Be thankful for the hard times they will only make you stronger.”
-Keanu Reeves
Speaking of strength, we must acknowledge our heroic and hardworking health professionals at UHNBC for their service this year. Due to the global pandemic the World Health Organization has designated 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
Although it’s been a tough year, I’m proud to say I’m from Prince George. This city has championed leading with heart and bringing everyone together while physical distancing. So much so in fact, that these three PG locals were awarded the YMCA Canadian Peace Medallion!! Bailey Grose, the mastermind behind the viral Hearts of PG campaign, connecting us through heart art in our windows during the lockdown. Dave Horton is the man behind the virtual trivia nights AND the Halloween Candy Cruise! Finally, Melanie Hanson graced us with her genius drive-through Covid birthdays this year. It’s people like this that make Prince George a community like no other.
Northern BC Moms Covid Tiktok Video
Mental health services in Prince George
Another reason, I’ll be a PG lifer…the healthcare services here are like no other in the North! And in times like these, access to these services is invaluable. The pandemic lockdown and restrictions are a lot on everybody: health professionals, parents, kids, single folks and business people alike. If you’re struggling, it may feel like you’re all alone, but you’re far from it! Please access one of the mental health services available in Prince George via Northern Health, PG Canadian Mental Health Association, The Foundry, Intersect (for youth and family), The Community Counselling Centre (practicum student program – very affordable) or check if you’re covered through an employee plan at work and get in touch with any of the amazing Prince George counsellors in town.
These additional services are available across BC and the Northern Health region from the comfort of home:
- 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency.
- 8-1-1 any time of day for health information and resources.
- 1-800-SUICIDE if you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone.
- 310 Mental Health Support at 310-6789 for emotional support and mental health info + resources.
- Kid’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 to speak to a professional counsellor, 24 hours a day.
- Alcohol & Drug Information and Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441 (toll-free in BC).
- Northern Health Covid-19 Hotline 1-844-645-7811
- Healthlink BC
I don’t know about you, but the state of the world every time I flick on the news is terrifying to say the least. So why not skip the news today and just try to remember, we’re all weathering the storm the best we can. If together, we stay apart, we will make it through this! Just hold on, the New Year is right around the corner! And in the meantime, channel your inner Dr. Bonnie Henry: be kind be safe be calm and mask up out there.
Kate
Northern BC Moms
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