What Happens When You Contact Suicide.ca
Whether you're thinking about suicide, worried about someone, or grieving a death by suicide, our trained counsellors can help you and listen to you without judgment. They are accustomed to talking openly about suicide.
You can contact a counsellor at any time by:
How do chat and texting work?
Our chat or text messaging support service is a five-step process.
When you start a chat or text conversation, you must first answer a few questions. Once you've answered these questions, you’ll be placed on hold until a counsellor is available to speak to you. The answers you give us will help us provide the best service for your situation. The counsellor who will respond to your request will have access to your answers to the questionnaire, even if you decide to leave the conversation before they have replied.
If we’re not available to respond immediately, you'll be placed in the queue. During this time, you can start telling us about what you’re going through in the chat box, but be aware that the counsellor will only be able to read your messages once they’re available and connected with you. While waiting for the counsellor to arrive, you’ll be given access to various tools to help you deal with your situation.
Wait times may vary depending on the number of people in line. We try to respond as quickly as possible.
If you can’t wait, you can also call 1-866-277-3553 to speak to a counsellor or dial 911 (emergency services) if your or your loved one’s life is in immediate danger.
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.
Phone services
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.
A confidential service
We are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information.
Information tailored to your situation
If you don’t want to talk to a counsellor at the moment, but are looking for information or resources to help you deal with your situation, check out these sections:
