What Happens When You Contact Suicide.ca

What you need to know about chat and text intervention  

The suicide.ca intervention service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Interveners who respond to the service are qualified and trained to support you.

We are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information. To learn more about privacy standards, please visit this page. 

 When you start a conversation, you'll be asked to answer a few questions to help us better understand your needs and offer you the best service for your situation.  

  

The person who responds to your request will have access to your answers, even if you decide to leave the conversation before they have answered.    

Once you've answered these questions, you'll be put on hold until a counsellor is available.   

 

During this time, you can write a single message to tell us why you've come to the service. Please note that the counsellor will read your messages only when they are available and connected to you.   

  

Waiting times may vary depending on the number of people contacting the service. We try to respond as quickly as possible.  

  

While you wait, you can consult various pages and tools (testimonials, coping strategies, breathing exercises, etc.) to help you deal with your situation.    

  

If you can't wait, you can also speak to a counsellor by calling 1 866-277-3553.   

  

If you or a loved one is in danger, call 911. 

To facilitate your conversation with the counsellor, we ask that you find a time and place where you are free to engage in an active two-way discussion.

This conversation will give you an opportunity to openly discuss suicide.

• If you’re thinking about suicide: You’ll be able to talk about your situation and identify what keeps you alive and what’s worth living for going forward. The counsellor will work with you to find ways to take steps to ensure your safety.


• If you’re worried about a loved one: You’ll be able to voice your concerns and identify ways you can support them and help them stay safe. If it’s an emergency, the counsellor can help you take steps to ensure your loved one’s immediate safety.


• If you’ve lost a loved one to suicide: You’ll be able to talk about the person and the impact their suicide has had on your life. The counsellor will listen without judgement and help you find some relief from your suffering.

The intervention will end when you are feeling a bit better and the counsellor has been able to find with you what helps you keep going despite the difficulties or ways to ensure your safety.

 

You can talk to a counsellor on the phone. Be aware, however, that suicide.ca does not offer phone services directly. If you want to talk on the phone, you'll be invited to call Quebec’s suicide prevention hotline at 1-866-277-3553.
 
What you need to know about 1-866-277-3553 
 

• This toll-free number is available 24/7 across Quebec. 
   

• You can call if you’re in distress, worried about a loved one, or grieving a suicide. 
   

• When you call, you are automatically redirected to a resource in your area. You’ll talk to a qualified trained counsellor who will be able to help.