It's okay not to be okay. In a world that often expects us to be at our best, it's essential to remember that caring for our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health. Fortunately, if you're in Canada, numerous resources are available to support you on your journey to mental wellness. To help you between appointments, I've put together this guide to trusted Canadian mental health resources. Think of these as extra tools in your toolkit—supports you can access anytime you need them, for any reason.
For Moments of Immediate Crisis or Need for Connection.
Your safety is the top priority. If you are ever in a life-threatening situation or feel that you cannot keep yourself safe, do not hesitate to take action.
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For any urgent medical emergency, dial 9-1-1.
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If you are contemplating suicide or are concerned about someone else, you can contact the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call or text 9-8-8 at any time, 24/7. It's free, confidential, and available to everyone in Canada.
Specialized Support for Your Unique Experience
Your identity and life experiences are integral to who you are. These organizations offer specialized support tailored to specific communities:
- For Youth: Kids Help Phone – For anyone up to age 29. You can call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. It's a safe space to talk about anything on your mind.
- For First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples: The Hope for Wellness Help Line - Offers culturally competent counselling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Call 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat. There is also dedicated support for former students of Indian Residential Schools and those affected by the legacy of MMIWG.
- For Veterans and Their Families: Veterans Affairs Canada - Provides a 24/7 assistance service to help with work or personal challenges. Call 1-800-268-7708.
Local and National Community Resources
Connecting with your local community can be a powerful part of your support system.
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Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): The CMHA has branches across the country and serves as an excellent resource for learning about mental health, identifying local programs, and connecting with community support.
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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): CAMH provides a wealth of information, online tutorials, and resources on mental health and substance use.
- ConnexOntario: A directory of community mental health and addictions services in Ontario. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone 1-866-531-2600
Finding the Right Support for You
Your journey to mental wellness is unique, and so is the support you might need. Along with the resources listed above, consider contacting: your family doctor, a therapist or other trusted professional, and community health centres.
Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength. You have a support network available, and you are never alone on this journey.
A Final Thought
Feel free to explore these resources at your own pace. If you find something helpful or have questions, I encourage you to bring them up in our next session. We can discuss how these tools can best fit into your mental health plan.
For the full, detailed list from the Government of Canada, you can visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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