There is strength in seeking support.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call 911.

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone. Your well-being is important, and there is help available. Reach out to supportive friends, family, or professionals who can provide assistance. These are resources designed to guide you through difficult times. You matter, and help is just a conversation away.

National Resources

Mental health and suicide prevention: 988

Available November 30th, 2023, You will be able to call or text 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada for free and be directed to the appropriate mental health crisis or suicide prevention service in your area.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service:

1-833-456-4566 (phone)
45645 (Text, 4 p.m. to midnight ET only)
crisisservicescanada.ca

In Quebec (French): Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, live chat counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca

Newfoundland and Labrador

Mental Health Crisis Line 24 Hour: 811

Bridge The Gap: Find mental health services in your region https://nl.bridgethegapp.ca/

Lifewise Warmline: Available in both French and English, the Warmline offers mental health support and information from trained Lifewise staff to the public 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Check out their website for hours as well as services including peer group, family and 1:1 support. https://lifewisenl.ca/

(En) 1-855-753-2560
(Fr) 1-833-753-5460

Emergency Mental Health Line 9-8-8 Launching November 2023

Starting November 30, 2023, people across Canada will be able to call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. 9-8-8 will be free for anyone in Canada who is thinking about suicide, in emotional distress, or who is worried about someone they know.

The implementation of 9-8-8 as an easy-to-remember three-digit number will help reduce barriers to mental health and suicide prevention resources. The number will enable greater access regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status as it will be available from coast to coast, 24/7 and free of charge. Furthermore, the ability to text to 9-8-8 will ensure that people in crisis who are unable to safely call, or prefer texting, are able to obtain counselling.

“I would have called it”

Tanya Joy, whose brother died by suicide and who attempted to take her own life, says the new 988 hotline will make it easier for people who are suffering to get support and help. Listen to her interview with CBC Radio:

What will the new number do?

In the face of increased demand for crisis services, 9-8-8 will provide:

  • A number that’s easy to remember in a crisis situation.
  • Support in English and in French, by phone and text.
  • Quick access to support from trained responders, available 24/7/365.
  • High quality, evidence-based, equitable suicide prevention and crisis support for everyone in Canada.

“We are taking a significant step in making mental health and suicide prevention resources more accessible to everyone in Canada. A single, easy to remember point of contact will provide much-needed help to those in crisis and will be crucial to saving lives. Although much work is left to be done to bring help to people who need it, we have set accelerated timelines to ensure that 9-8-8 is implemented as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Read full article on cbc

Photo by Timur Repin on Unsplash