Quarantine for COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the mental health for many of us. It has left us feeling isolated, powerless to change the situation around us, and disconnected from those we depend on for support.
Because of these feelings, we may find it hard to start reaching out to those we love and trust again to talk about our mental health. However, it's important that we do, so we can acknowledge our mental health and take that first step to improve it if needed.
To help you, we at Race to a Cure have developed a list of resources that you can use to talk to a specialist about your mental health.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Mental Health Helplines (Calling and texting)
CRISIS SERVICES CANADA: Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (4 pm - 12 am EST for texting). Deal with suicidal thoughts, grief due to suicide or help a friend. Calling 24/7.
CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text HOME to 686868 from Canada, anytime, about any type of crisis. Connects you to a trained and live Crisis Responder. 24/7.
KIDS HELP PHONE: Call 1-800-668-6868 using cell phone or via the internet at Kids Help Phone Call. Have someone listen and get advice on topics such as COVID-19, identity, school, family and more. 24/7.
HOPE FOR WELLNESS LINE (INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS): Call 1-855-242-3310 or online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca. For those who want to talk, need support, have painful memories. 24/7.
NEDIC (National Eating Disorder Information Centre): Call 1-866-NEDIC-20 or 416-340-4156 using cell phone or chat via the internet at NEDIC contact. Identify a problem, determine next steps, find more resources or help others with EDs. Calls open from 11am to 7pm Monday to Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 5pm. All times EST. Chat is still available from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. Emails will be answered during those hours.
COVID-19 Updates: Call 1-833-784-4397 for updated information regarding the pandemic. 24/7.
French Specific Resources:
CENTRE DE PRÉVENTION DU SUICIDE DE QUÉBEC: Appeler 1-866-277-3553. Traitez les pensées suicidaires, le deuil dû au suicide ou aidez un ami. 24/7.
Province Specific Resources:
AL: DISTRESS CENTRE CALGARY: Crisis Text & Chat Support (Starting at 3 PM MST): www.calgaryconnecteen.com
AL: WOOD’S HOMES: Crisis Text & Chat Support (9 AM - 10 PM MST): www.woodshomes.ca
BC: NORTHERN BC CRISIS CENTRE: Crisis Chat (4 PM - 10 PM PT) visitwww.northernyouthonline.ca or call(250) 564-8336
BC: VANCOUVER CRISIS CENTRE: Crisis Chat (12 PM to 1 AM PT) visit www.crisiscentrechat.ca
MN: MB Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services (M-F 10 am - 9 pm CT):
Online crisis chat: supportline.ca
Phone: 1-866-367-3276
ON: ASSAULTED WOMEN’S HELPLINE: Call 1-866-863-0511 or text 1-8666-863-7868. Get support, counselling, information and resources from any kind of abuse or assault. 24/7.
ON: ADDICTION, MENTAL HEALTH, PROBLEM GAMBLING SERVICES: Call 1-866-531-2600 for next steps and support. 24/7.
ON: ONTX Ontario Online & Text Crisis Service
Crisis Chat (2 pm - 2 am ET): www.dcontario.org/ontx.html
Crisis Text (2 pm - 2 am ET): 258258
Contributors: Linda Duong, Olivia Ye