For 24/7 crisis support, call Here 24/7 at (844) 437-3247
This page provides information about connecting someone to help. If you are looking for information about how to start a caring conversation, visit: How Do I Start the Conversation.
Supporting someone who is struggling can feel overwhelming at times. Perhaps you have started a conversation with them and recognize that they need help. How do you connect them to professional or community support?
There are different factors that could be considered when connecting someone to help:
If you are concerned that someone is struggling, having a caring conversation with them can be helpful to better understand their experiences and needs. Below are some suggestions and tips that may be useful when you are connecting someone to help and support.
If the person you are talking to is experiencing thoughts of suicide, and has a plan to die or access to means, they need immediate help and support. Do not leave the person alone while trying to access them help. It is also important to remove any potentially harmful items from their environment and stay calm as you wait for help.
Options for immediate support can include:
If these options are not available, call Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247 for assistance.
If the person you are talking to is struggling with their mental health and/or with thoughts of suicide but is not at immediate risk, it is still important to connect that person to help and support. Below are some options that you can encourage the person you are supporting to reach out to. It may make the person more comfortable to make the call together.
Hope for Wellness Indigenous Help Line (24/7) – call 1-855-242-3310 or live chat at: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
You can also call and make an appointment at a number of counselling services in the area. The services listed below offer individual counselling, and you can also ask about their specialized group programs. These services have a fee, but often can be adjusted on a sliding scale based on your income.
For more virtual and community-based resources, visit:
When someone is struggling, it is important to encourage hope and action. People considering suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you’re comfortable, you can encourage the person to access help by:
It is important that we build a coalition of support. If you have been providing ongoing support to someone, you can share the responsibility by involving family, close friends, a family doctor, clergy, or other support services. Check in with each other by phone, text or email. The exact members of your support team will depend on the individual’s situation and goals, but most teams typically include some combination of the following professionals:
For more information about building and developing a support team, visit: Develop a Support System
The person may still be skeptical that they can be helped and may need your support and encouragement to continue with treatment.
If medication is prescribed, the person may want some support navigating this process. It may take time and persistence to find the right medication and the right therapist. Doctors can often adjust the medications or dosage, if needed.