1-833-456-4566

I’m worried about myself.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, you are deserving of help and can call 1-833-456-4566. If you feel safe in the moment, follow up with your family physician or care team. If you require immediate, in-person emergency care, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you are at risk for suicide, you may:

• notice a sudden change in your mood or behaviour
• feel a sense of hopelessness and helplessness
• express the wish to die or end your life
• increase substance use
• withdraw from people and activities that you previously enjoyed
• experience changes in sleeping patterns
• have a decreased appetite
• give away prized possessions or make preparations for your death (for example, creating a will)

It is important to remember that suicide is preventable. Most people who have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide go on to live full, meaningful lives.

I’m worried about someone I know

It may be difficult to know if a person is thinking about suicide, but familiarizing yourself with common warning signs can better prepare you to notice someone who is at risk. 

People who are at risk for suicide may:

• show a sudden change in mood or behaviour
• show a sense of hopelessness and helplessness
• express the wish to die or end their life
• increase substance use
• withdraw from people and activities that they previously enjoyed
• experience changes in sleeping patterns
• have a decreased appetite
• give away prized possessions or make preparations for their death (for example, creating a will)

If you’re worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, be direct and ask them if they have been experiencing suicidal thoughts. Reaching out can save a life.

My life has been affected by suicide

When a loved one dies by suicide, your emotions can overwhelm you. As you face life after a loved one’s suicide, using healthy coping strategies and seeking support from others will help you begin the journey to healing and acceptance.

The grieving process is different for each person and there is no timeline for grief. It’s important to remember that what you’re feeling is normal.

• Most survivors find that they cannot stop asking “Why?” 
• You are not to blame for the suicide of someone close to you.
• You don’t need to go through it alone. If your feelings become too much, seek support from a loved one or talk to a mental health professional.

It may be difficult to speak openly about suicide, but it is important to tell family and friends the truth. This allows them to help each other cope with their grief while also helping you work through yours. When talking to children and young people about suicide, use words that match their age and development. Reassure them that suicide is never anyone’s fault.

Remind yourself you will survive. There will be times when your grief is overwhelming. But you will learn how to cope and heal in a way that honours the memory of your loved one. It is hard to believe now, but you will get through it. And as time goes on, the pain will lessen.