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
- Take A Stand
- Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Rideauwood Addiction Services
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