VICTORIA -- Life for many British Columbia has been turned upside down for the past 10 months, and will remain that way for at least another one after Thursday’s announcement that restrictions on events and social gatherings will be extended until Feb. 5. The ongoing new reality of life under those restrictions is taking an inevitable toll on mental health, says mental health expert Hazel Meredith. Meredith is the executive director of Mental Health Recovery Partners South Island. She says her organization has been busier than ever during the pandemic. “Everyone is feeling the struggle of having normal life pulled out from under them, and trying to gain footing and feel like they can actually thrive again,” says Meredith.