Help a friend in distress

You may be concerned that someone you know is in need of support. You may be facing mental health concerns yourself. You are not alone.

Reach out: Help is available

Know what to look for

Contact a mental health professional or call 1-800-784-2433 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of the following:

  • threatening to hurt or kill themselves, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill themselves,
  • looking for ways to kill themselves by trying to get firearms, pills, or other potentially lethal instruments, and/or
  • talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide (if these are out of the ordinary for the person).

Contact a mental health professional or call 1-800-784-2433 as soon as possible if you are concerned about someone who exhibits one or more of the following:

  • experiencing overwhelming emotional pain and hopelessness,
  • feeling hopeless,
  • feeling rage or uncontrolled anger, and seeking revenge,
  • acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking,
  • feeling trapped, as if there were “no way out”,
  • using alcohol or drugs increasingly,
  • withdrawing from friends, family, and society,
  • experiencing anxiety, agitation, or sleeplessness, or sleeping all the time,
  • having dramatic mood changes, and/or
  • feeling that there is no reason for living and having no sense of purpose in life.

Find out more: read research about the risk factors, warning signs, and drivers of suicide or discover UBC initiatives and research that aim to prevent suicide.


Next steps