new 988 crisis line launched in u.s. for mental health crises is also happening in canada

content warning: this story contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation. if you are in need of support for yourself, a friend or a family member, talk suicide canada, formerly the canadian suicide prevention service helpline, offers support and can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 toll free, 24/7. or, connect via text at 45645, from 4 p.m. to midnight et.

the 988 lifeline, which is a transition from the 10-digit national suicide prevention lifeline number 800-273-talk, also links to the veterans crisis line and comes after a three-year effort by the u.s. department of health and human services, federal communications commission and the u.s. department of veterans affairs to make it easier for people in crisis to access help, reports from the tribune .

the line is for any mental health crisis

currently, talk suicide canada , formerly the canadian suicide prevention service, which can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 connects you with a crisis responder. but the canadian radio-television and telecommunications commission (crtc) recently concluded a public consultation on the need for a three-digit number for mental health emergencies. the free 988 lifeline is slated for launch on november 30, 2023, says the crtc.

suicide ninth leading cause of death in canada

suicide is a critical public health issue in canada, says the canadian association for suicide prevention , with one in 10 people ending their lives by suicide and up to 200 others making the attempt. suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in this country.

based on data from the canadian community health survey 2019, 12 per cent of canadians have thought about suicide, and increasingly more canadians (16 per cent) are consulting with a health-care professional about their mental health.

what are the warning signs of suicide?

according to the national institute of mental health (nimh)  research indicates that almost all deaths by suicide are preceded by warning signs, so it’s important to know what to look for. some indicators are if someone talks about wanting to die, or experiencing guilt or shame or being a burden to others. other signs are feelings of hopelessness or being trapped, having no reason to live, agitation or unbearable emotional or physical pain.