A nationwide suicide prevention hotline is now available to Canadians struggling with mental health challenges with the launch a new three-digit helpline.
The hotline is available to anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worrying about someone they know, according to CAMH, adding that anyone who reaches out to 988 will be assessed for suicide risk.
People can call or text multiple times, depending on the support they need.
Once a person calls, a brief recorded message will let them know they are in the right place.
They will then be able to choose options to get the best support, including age, language preference (English or French) and whether they are Indigenous or not.
Following this, an important message about privacy and a link for additional information will be conveyed. It is up to the caller to provide how much or little personal information they share.
Security controls, including encryption and authentication, are in place to protect all personal information, CAMH said.
Once connected to a responder, the person will experience a safe space to talk, receiving empathy and assistance in developing strategies to establish safety during overwhelming moments.
9·11 months ago