Call 9‑8‑8 for Immediate Emotional Support

9‑8‑8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available across Canada for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.

• Available 24 hours a day
• Phone or text
• Supportive, non‑judgmental, and confidential

Use Local Crisis Lines and Mobile Crisis Teams

Many communities have mental health crisis lines staffed by trained professionals who can help de‑escalate the situation and guide next steps.

Some regions offer mobile crisis teams that can come to your home. These teams may include mental health clinicians and, in some areas, non‑police responders. They can:

• Assess risk
• Offer in‑person support
• Help determine whether hospital care is needed
• Connect your family member with follow‑up services

These teams are useful when you need urgent help but want to avoid the emergency department unless necessary.

When to Go to the Emergency Department

Go to the emergency department if:

• Your family member cannot keep themselves safe
• There are serious concerns about self-harm or harm to others
• They are experiencing severe symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, extreme agitation, or inability to care for basic needs
• A healthcare provider advises immediate assessment

If possible, bring:

• Identification
• A list of medications and allergies
• Contact information for current providers
• Any recent care plans or discharge instructions

What to Expect in the Emergency Department

• Triage staff will assess your family member based on risk, not arrival time.
• Wait times can vary and may be long.
• Your family member may be placed in a quiet or supervised area for safety.
• A mental health clinician or psychiatrist will assess them and recommend next steps.
• Follow‑up plans may include outpatient care, crisis services, or hospitalization.

When to Call Police

Call police if:

• There is an immediate risk to someone’s safety
• Your family member is threatening harm with a weapon
• You cannot keep the environment safe
• You cannot safely transport them to the hospital

When calling, clearly state:

• “This is a mental health crisis.”
• Any safety concerns or presence of weapons
• Any relevant history if known

Stay calm, be factual, and answer questions directly. If possible, remain with your family member until help arrives.

Understanding Consent and Privacy

• You can always share information with healthcare providers, even if your family member cannot consent.
• Providers may not be able to share information back, but they can still use what you tell them when assessing risk and planning care.
• Bring key details such as behaviours you have observed, statements your family member has made, and any safety concerns.

Create a Simple Crisis Safety Plan

When your family member is not in crisis, it helps to create a plan together. A safety plan may include:

• Early warning signs that a crisis might be developing
• Strategies your family member finds comforting
• People they trust and want contacted
• Preferred crisis services
• Medication information
• Steps to take if the situation escalates

Having a safety plan can reduce panic during future crises and help everyone respond consistently.

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting a family member in crisis can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
Remember to:

• Ask others for help
• Take breaks when you can
• Reach out for your own support
• Contact a crisis line if you need immediate emotional support

You are not alone, and your well-being matters.