Who can call a Crisis Lines?

Crisis lines are open to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Translation is often available upon request. You do not have to be in crisis or suicidal to call. Calling a Crisis Line can be a good place to start when trying to sort out a problem. You can also be referred to other services or programs.

What is a Crisis?

A crisis is a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. You may experience:

-Difficulty coping

-Extreme struggles

-Feelings of fear, failure, uncertainty, powerlessness, hopelessness, confusion,

-Hurt and sadness

-A sense of losing control

-Thoughts of suicide

-Headaches, muscle tension, chronic fatigue or other physical problems

-Changes in eating or sleeping habits

-Isolating yourself

-Difficulty concentrating

-Anger and other mood swings

-Alcohol or drug problems

-Loneliness, anxiety, depression or any other kind of struggle

What can I talk about on the Crisis Lines?

Crisis Lines are open to anyone who needs help, about any issue.

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What can I expect when I call?

The counsellors will help you understand your problem and provide support. They will help you find new ways of coping and understand your own personal strengths and values. They will treat you with compassion and will not judge you. The counsellors can also refer you to other specialists and resources. You will likely be asked whether you are having any thoughts of suicide. This is a standard question for a crisis line call.

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Are calls confidential?

Yes. Crisis lines do their best to respect privacy and maintaining confidentiality. Counsellors may ask for your first name and other personal information to help them understand your needs better and help you, but you do not have to provide your name if you don’t want to.

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Please Note:

One of the main goals of crisis lines is to prevent harm to anyone. That being said, confidentiality is breached in very rare circumstances. If it is believed that someone is in danger,

information may need to be shared with another service in order to keep them safe ( your life, or the life/safety of someone else is at imminent risk and safety is not assured) If someone is having thoughts of suicide every effort will be made not to contact police. Crisis lines are meant to be a safe space to discuss thoughts and feelings about suicide and other difficult topics.