Suicide and mental health can be tough to talk about. Watch for these signs if you think your friend might be struggling:
- They are quiet or irritable, with this behaviour being out of character.
- They feel hopeless.
- They are using drugs and/or misusing alcohol.
- They are spending less time with friends.
- They are harming themselves or taking dangerous risks.
Help is available 24/7. If you or your friends need someone to talk to, these services can help you:
- Dial or text 9-8-8; 24/7 voice or text support for mental health crisis and suicide prevention. Visit 988.ca for more information.
- Specially trained staff are available to provide mental health and addictions crisis support in a safe and confidential manner. It is free and available 24/7.
- Dial 811 to call Healthline.
- Kids Help Phone offers professional counselling, information and referrals. You can phone, text or chat online. It's confidential, free and available 24/7.
- Call 1-800-668-6868
- Text CONNECT to 686868
- Chat online at kidshelpphone.ca
This toolkit has been designed by Saskatchewan youth, for Saskatchewan youth. Youth across Saskatchewan participated in focus groups at high schools and completed surveys through CMHA-SK’s online services, and previously collected data from youth, school counsellors, and youth workers in Saskatchewan was used to inform this toolkit. This ensured that best practices and evidence-based concepts were incorporated, and that this topic was treated in a sensitive and real way.
Within this resource, youth can learn about:
- Who can help them when they are thinking of suicide
- Language they can use to ask for help
- Coping strategies for when they feel overwhelmed
People who support youth can learn about:
- What is suicide and its risk factors
- Warning signs that someone might be thinking about suicide
- Safety planning in a safe way
If there is an emergency, call 911.