No matter the challenges you're facing, you're not alone. The responders at 9-8-8 are available to support you if you're in emotional distress.
Phone or text 9-8-8 if you:
- are trying to hurt yourself;
- are having thoughts of hurting yourself;
- are having thoughts of ending your life;
- have thought about the steps you're going to take to end your life;
- have made a plan to end your life;
- feel a loss of hope for the future; or
- are experiencing emotional pain that feels hard to bear.
What to do if you are having suicidal thoughts
- Phone or text 9-8-8 at any time.
- Talk to someone you trust and let them know how you're feeling.
- Make a safety plan with someone you trust. This is a document you can use to remind yourself of ways to cope.
- Create a list of people to reach out to when in distress to help reduce your risk of suicide.
- Take care of your basic needs by:
- taking time to rest or sleep;
- making sure to eat regularly;
- getting dressed or taking a shower; and
- going for short walks.
Signs that someone you know might be suicidal
There's no one sign that tells you someone is considering suicide. Some people will show multiple signs, while others might show few or no signs. Here are some signs to look out for that might tell you someone needs support:
- They talk a lot about thinking about suicide or wanting to die, even if it looks like they're joking.
- They talk about feeling hopeless about things getting better.
- They seem angry, short-tempered or irritated.
- They cry more frequently.
- They do not sleep well.
- They use alcohol or substances more than usual.
- They engage in more risky behaviour such as reckless driving, dangerous sports or activities.
- They start giving away possessions or making plans for after their death
- They talk about feeling lonely or disconnected.
- They start saying goodbye or that they'll miss you.
What you should do if someone you know might be suicidal
If someone you know is showing signs of being suicidal, you can:
- talk to the person;
- phone or text 9-8-8; or
- call 911 if you think their life may be at risk.
About the 9-8-8 suicide crisis helpline
The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline offers support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. It also helps those who have tried to harm themselves. The Government of Canada funds this helpline. They work with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and their partners to deliver it.
Key aspects of this service include:
- The helpline is available all day and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Services are available in English and French.
- The service works to be inclusive of and sensitive to different cultural backgrounds. This ensures that you can feel heard and supported.
- The service is free.
More support and resources for suicide prevention
Apart from calling 9-8-8, there are more resources available to you. Some of them include:
- Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services: Rapid Access Counselling Services provides single session brief counselling within 72 hours (about 3 days) of your first call. It's designed to support you in the moment and help you find solutions. You can phone 867-456-3838 to book a rapid access counselling appointment.
- Canadian Mental Health Association: They provide mental health support for Yukoners. Phone 1-844-533-3030 for support.
- Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre: provides resources in many languages. It supports safe and competent mental health care for everyone living in Canada.
- Kids Help Phone: is a 24/7 e-mental health service. It offers free, confidential support to young people in English and French.
- If you are under 30 and in Canada, you can access help at youthspace.ca from 6 pm – midnight (Pacific Standard Time).
- Hope for Wellness: Offering support for Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310.