Supporting Someone in Difficulty

For example:

• They are taking potentially life-threatening action.
• They tell you they are going to take their own life in the next few hours.

Here are your options:

• Call 911
• Bring the person to the hospital, if possible

• They say they are thinking about suicide, but there is no indication they’re going to take action in the next few hours.

Here are your options:

• Chat online or text with one of our counsellors.
• Call Quebec’s suicide prevention hotline at 1-866-277-3553.
• Call a suicide prevention centre.
• Call Info-Social at 811, option 2, or contact a local community services centre (CLSC) to find out what services could be offered to the person.

For example:

• They are agitated (shouting, screaming, moving uncontrollably, feeling completely overwhelmed).
• They are experiencing pervasive anxiety (unable to think about anything other than what they are afraid of).
• They withdraw suddenly (isolate themselves, do not want to go out or talk to loved ones).

• Call a crisis centre.
• Call Info-Social at 811, option 2, or contact a CLSC to find out what services could be offered to the person.

They have symptoms of anxiety, depression, or psychosis. For example:

• They have panic attacks, frequently imagine worst-case scenarios, and are afraid to leave home.
• They cry or feel empty or irritable every day.
• They have lost or gained a lot of weight quickly.
• They have difficulty sleeping or sleep much more than usual.
• They hear voices or see things that aren’t there.

Here are your options:

• Call Info-Social at 811, option 2, or contact a CLSC to find out what services could be offered to the person.

For example:

• They’re going through a breakup.
• They’re going through a difficult bereavement.
• They’re having financial problems.
• They have addiction issues (alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc.).
• They’re in trouble with the law.
• They have just been diagnosed with a serious illness.

Here are your options:
 

• Call Info-Social at 811, option 2, or contact a CLSC to find out what services could be offered to the person.

• Anger is a way of coping with difficult situations.
• Avoid telling the person to calm down. It can make them more angry or cause them to stop communicating.
• Instead, tell them they have the right to be angry and that you’d like to talk.

• Restricting a person’s rights by keeping them at the hospital is an exceptional measure used only when a person’s life is in immediate danger or when their actions could endanger the lives of others.
• Tell the truth because you can’t promise that this will not happen.

• If the person’s situation continues to worsen and they refuse all help offered, it is possible to request that they be placed under temporary confinement (Bill P-38), even if their life is not in danger.
• Contact your local community services centre (CLSC) or crisis centre for information on how to apply for temporary confinement for another person.

• Acknowledge the trust the person is putting in you.
• Explain that you have limits and let the person know that they also need help from professionals and other members of their support network.

• We live in a world that places a lot of value on independence and strength. For some people, asking for help may seem like sign of weakness or helplessness.
• Explain that you are there for them.
• Use the example of physical care to convince the person. When someone breaks their arm, they go see the doctor. Likewise, when someone is having psychological difficulties, they go see a mental health professional.