Seek health care immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Someone is experiencing a mental health crisis when they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call a helpline (listed below), 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Department immediately. If possible and appropriate, ask which option they prefer.
Call a helpline to speak with a crisis counsellor:
Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST): 1-866-550-5205 to speak with someone immediately and get referred to help.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service line: 1-833-456-4566 or crisisservicescanada.ca
Pathstone Crisis Support Services: 1-800-263-4944 to seek help for children and youth up to 18 years of age
What does a mental health crisis look like?
- Thinking about ending your life or have attempted to end your life
- Thinking about hurting others or have hurt someone
- Experiencing voices commanding you to hurt yourself or others
- Making choices that put you in serious danger
- Not being able to care for yourself, which puts you at risk
- Experiencing serious medication side effects such as swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, unusual eye movements, severe muscle rigidity, etc.
- Thinking about or have taken a drug overdose
- Consuming excessive quantities of alcohol and combining this with prescription or other medications.
If you need help finding support in the community
Speak first with your family doctor or other primary care provider. If it is after hours or you do not have a primary care provider, call Access Line toll-free 1-866-550-5205 to be connected to mental health and addictions services in Niagara.
The NOHT-ÉSON’s Resource Navigator features a number of community resources for people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis and their caregivers.
Learn about mental health and addictions services in Niagara
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