Thoughts of self-harm
Sometimes in our grief we may have thoughts about wishing we were the one who died, feeling like we don’t deserve to live when they died, or feeling like life isn’t worth living. While these thoughts are not uncommon, it is essential to reach out for professional help.
If you have thoughts about harming yourself or others, call your local Crisis Line, or call or text 9-8-8. If you have a plan, this is a medical emergency. Ask someone to take you or go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 911. It is essential that you reach out for help.
For more support
- 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.