Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. Failing a big test, being bullied, a break-up, fight with a parent or friend, pressure to succeed, belong and fit-in – it can all build up and for some, it can seem like things aren’t going to get better.
DO YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?
The following is a list of agencies offering free and confidential services to help you out in tough times.
Kids Help Phone Line
1-800-668-6868
Bilingual, confidential, 24-hr. service
Offers counselling, information and referral services.
Anyone can call.
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region
Distress Line, 613-238-3311
Offers anonymous, confidential, 24-hr. service
English language service
Pembroke Regional Hospital Mobile Crisis Team
Crisis Line, 1-866-996-0991
Offers anonymous, confidential, 24-hr. service
Tel-Aide Outaouais
Offers anonymous, confidential, 24-hr. service 613-741-6433 or 1-800-567-9699
French language service
Youth Services Bureau 24/7 Crisis Line
The 24/7 Crisis Line makes sure that youth in crisis – or anyone concerned about them – can talk to someone who understands and wants to help. Offers supportive listening, crisis counselling, referrals and more, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
613-260-2360 (local)
1-877-377-7775 (toll-free)
Youth America Hotline (YAH)
1.877.YOUTHLINE (1.877.968.8454)
USA National Suicide Hotlines (Toll-Free / 24 hours / 7 days a week)
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
1-800-273-TALK
1-800-273-8255
Research Studies
To learn more about the latest research projects that The Royal (University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research) is currently working on please click here.
Links
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Signs
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Sudden elated mood following a time of depression
Help is available
If YOU need help, you can call the 24/7 Crisis Line at 613.260.2360 or 1.877.377.7775; or the Mental Health Crisis Line at 1.866.996.0991.
If YOUR FRIEND needs help, take them seriously as this is one ‘secret’ that you must NOT keep. Some tips are:
- Listen
- Don’t dismiss or minimize their stress, loss, or experience
- Let them know you care
- Ask about suicide directly
- Tell a trusted adult like a teacher, coach, guidance counselor or parent
- Call one of the above crisis lines
Stats
- Suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15-24 year old Canadians, second only to accidents;
- 42% of youth say they would feel uncomfortable revealing they had a mental illness;
- 1 in 5 youth are affected by mental illness, but only 1 in 6 receive treatment or service;
- In Canada, there are 3.2 million youth between the ages of 12-19 who are at risk for developing depression;
- Canada loses close to 200 children and youth to suicide every year