It’s okay not to feel merry and bright. If you need help or know someone who does, please call or text

9-8-8. That’s the number for Canada’s new suicide crisis helpline – and it’s now available across the

country, in English and French, 24/7, 365 days a year. It will offer people help & hope.

Reach out:

If you or someone you know are struggling, please contact a crisis helpline in your area immediately.

Things You Can Do to Combat Suicidal Thoughts & Feelings:

Keep a journal.  Write down your thoughts. Every day, you can write about things you are grateful for, plans for the future and the people you value most in your life. As a reminder of the importance of life, re-read what you have written regularly. 

Spend time with friends and family. This can involve going out. We tend to spend time with family and friends when we are well. However, when we’re depressed, it can sometimes become more difficult. Nevertheless, spending time with friends and family is still important to maintaining good overall well-being. Visiting and allowing our loved ones, who are caring and understanding, to communicate with us is crucial.

Avoid drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol are contributory factors to impulses, it is essential to avoid them. Drugs and alcohol also interfere with the effectiveness of medications prescribed for depression and other mental illness.

Learn to recognize warning signs of a suicidal episode. There are often subtle warning signs your body will give you when an episode develops. As you learn to manage your illness, you’ll learn how to be sensitive to them. They are signals to treat yourself with the utmost care instead of becoming ashamed or angry with yourself.

~ Karen B.

MEHEP.COM