Self-harm
Sometimes in our grief we may feel like we don’t deserve to live, or feel life isn’t worth living or are having thoughts about wishing we were dead. While these thoughts are not uncommon, it is essential to reach out for professional help if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others.
If you or someone in your life is having thoughts of harming themself, or others, they need professional help. You can call or text 9-8-8 anytime day or night. If they have a plan, this is a medical emergency. Go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 911.
More resources
- 9-8-8 provides a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When you call or text 9-8-8, you will reach a responder at one of nearly 40 local, provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines, who co-deliver the service.
- The VAC Assistance Service provides free, short-term psychological support with a mental health professional. For immediate support, call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional.
- The Family Information Line is a confidential, personal, bilingual and free service offering information, support, referrals, reassurance and crisis management to the military community. Call 1-800-866-4546 on connect online.
- The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both telephone and online chat services are available in English and French. Telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut. Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect online.