If you need immediate help, or are worried about a loved one, there are several free and confidential resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They’ll give you quick access to help, support, and specialized intervention.
When to ask for help?
When your suffering becomes too intense and overwhelming, it can lead to a state of crisis and even suicidal ideation Here are signs that you should seek support quickly :
- Excessive anger or sudden mood swings
- Nervousness or agitation
- Inconsolable sadness or lack of emotion
- A loss of interest in the activities you enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping or a tendency to sleep much more than usual
- Significant weight loss or gain in a short period of time
- No longer taking your medication
- Lack of hygiene
- A tendency to withdraw and isolate
- The feeling that your situation cannot improve
- A feeling of powerlessness in the face of problems
- The feeling of having lost control over your life
- Feeling like a burden to your loved ones
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Dial 911
This is an emergency helpline if your health, safety, or property are threatened, and you need immediate help.
811 INFO-SOCIAL
Dial 811 (option #2)
Anyone living in Quebec can call Info-Social at 811 (option #2) on behalf of themselves or a loved one. The professionals who provide this service offer advice and can answer questions of psychosocial nature (e.g. : anxiety-provoking situations, concerns for a loved one, family or relationship difficulties, bereavement, disturbing behaviours, etc.).
Crisis centers
Consult the list of crisis centers or download the Crise application to find the crisis centre in your area.
Crisis centres are designated to offer services to anyone experiencing a crisis. A crisis generally arises when an event or life situation causes major disruption to daily life, and the situation does not improve despite best efforts.
Suicide Prevention Center
1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
This service is available if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and would like support, or if you are worried about a loved one and need guidance on what to do.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
The Hope for Wellness Helpline is accessible to the First Peoples population. Counsellors are sensitive to your cultural reality and can be reached by phone and online chat to talk with you if you’re experiencing distress and are going through a difficult time. Services are available in English, French and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut.
Kids Help Phone
or text the word TALK au 686868
If you use the texting service, the first text messages you receive will be automated messages about services and confidentiality. You’ll then be connected to a Responder with whom you can discuss any problem, big or small. At any time, you can end the conversation by texting the word STOP.
Reference
Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (2023) Recognizing the signs of psychological and suicidal distress.
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