24/7 CRISIS LINE

1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from a mental illness in their life.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis yourself, or know someone who is, please phone the 24/7 Crisis Line.  We are here to provide support 24 hours a day.

Choose to make the call, and we'll be here for you.

What is the Crisis Line?

The Crisis Line is the first point of public access to the world of mental health services for people who are experiencing serious mental health issues.  This could include situational crisis, psychosis, severe depression, anxiety or suicidal behaviour.

Individuals, families or concerned friends may call the Crisis Line where our volunteer Crisis Line Responders will assess each situation, offer support and, if required, connect you with the appropriate Crisis Team in your area.

What does the Crisis Line offer?

• It is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• It is staffed by highly trained volunteer Crisis Line Responders who are supported by professional staff
• Crisis Line Responders provide assessment and screening in every situation, support in a crisis situation & suicide intervention, as required
• Crisis Line Responders will connect a client to the local Crisis Team, if required, with the client's consent
• All calls are confidential

Crisis Team

The Crisis Team works closely with the hospital emergency rooms, psychiatrists and police services to ensure a safe and comprehensive response to crisis or emergency situations.  The Crisis Team is comprised of crisis counselors, registered nurses and/or social workers, and may be accompanied by members of the police services.

How to work with the Crisis Team

Individuals, families or concerned friends may call the Crisis Line.  Calls will be answered as quickly as possible.  The Crisis Line Responder who answers your call will offer support, clarify and assess needs and options, and if required, make a direct transfer to the local Crisis Team in your area.

Following are tips to help you work with the Crisis Line Responder during your telephone discussion.

Please provide all relevant information about the crisis:

• What caused the current crisis?  Is there one particular event that caused this crisis?
• What triggered your current emotions or feelings?
• Are you alone at the time of your call or with others?
• Are you currently injured?
• Is this a situation that can be resolved over the phone?
• Provide names of friends or family as available

You MAY be asked for:

• Your name (this way, we don't have to call you, "you")
• The location you are currently at
• Home phone number, or if away from home, current number you are at
• Your age
• Names of your family physician, psychiatrist and/or therapist, if any
• Community mental health centres you may be affiliated with
• Information about prior hospitalizations
• Information on prior suicide attempts or acts of self-harm
• Tell the Crisis Line Responder if you have any means of self-harm or suicide available
• Tell the Crisis Line Responder of any diagnosis you may carry (i.e.: bipolar, PTSD, etc.)
• List any allergies and/or medical conditions, including issues of mobility (important if the Crisis Line Responder tries to arrange for transportation

Accept help, coaching suggestions & instructions offered:

• Be willing to have a face-to-face evaluation if transferred to the Crisis Team
• Be willing to try to resolve the crisis in your own environment
• Be open to suggestions that are offered
• Cooperate with the worker and work collaboratively to find a resolution
• Do listen to their input
• Be respectful of those who are trying to help you
• Don't expect the worker to take away your emotional pain
• Be honest and open about your feelings and thoughts, including suicidal feelings, if any
• Practice willingness
• Participate fully in the experience