If you are thinking about suicide, or you’re worried about someone else, there is help and there is hope. Call or text 9-8-8 toll free, any time — lines are open 24/7/365. To learn more about 9-8-8 visit their website.

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September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day 

Aug 23, 2023

** Thinking about suicide or worried about a loved one?  Talk Suicide Canada has trained helpers available 24/7/365 to help you.  Phone: 1-833-456-4566. Text (4 pm – 12 midnight EST): 45645. Chat, information, and tools Get Help | Talk Suicide Canada **

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme “Creating Hope Through Action” focuses on the importance of taking action, no matter how big or small, to help individuals who are struggling.

It can be as simple as sending a message to those who are in despair, those who are grieving, and those who are supporting someone who is struggling with life’s challenges.

By spreading the word that help, hope and healing are possible, we can work together to prevent suicide.

Here are some actions you can take right now: 

Share the message: Share the message on social media that help is available. Click HERE to download social media tools to help spread the message of hope. 

Share the numbers of crisis lines: A NOTE ON CRISIS: The reasons for a mental health crisis — just like mental health — are unique to the individual experiencing them. What a crisis is for one person might not be for another. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the most common sign of crisis is “a clear and abrupt change in behavior.” READ: What is a Mental Health Crisis?

Share the numbers of Non-Crisis Lines: Talking can provide relief and prevent someone from reaching the crisis point. The ability to connect and receive support at a difficult moment is critical. 2-1-1 offers this support through their Helplines. To connect to the Women’s, Men’s or All Genders Helpline, call 211 and request to speak with the line that feels most appropriate. Calls are 30 mins and not intended for crisis, but as a supportive, safe space to talk a problem through.

Learn about the warning signs and risk factors of suicide: Knowledge is empowerment. The best thing you can do is prepare yourself with information and take action when you recognize signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm, indicating that someone is at risk of contemplating or attempting suicide. 

Start the Conversation: It can be daunting to ask a loved one if they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts. But doing so can make a positive impact. It’s important to remember that there is no exact “right” thing to say, and an imperfect conversation is far better than no conversation at all. Here are some resources to help you start the conversation.

It’s also important to remember that you don’t need to say the “perfect” thing, and you won’t be able to solve your loved one’s problems in a single conversation. Reaching out, however you’re able, will help your loved one feel understood, even if it’s likely only the first step in a longer mental health journey. 

Additional Resources:

Attend an Event:

Attend ASIST or SafeTALK training sessions:

Asist: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training [ASIST] is a 2-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help individuals recognize the risk of suicide, and learn how to intervene to prevent the risk of suicidal thoughts from becoming suicidal behaviours. Learn more and register.

SafeTALK: SafeTALK is a four-hour face-to-face workshop featuring powerful presentations, audiovisuals, and skills practice. You’ll learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for further support. Learn more.


Donate to CMHA NS and help fund our suicide prevention work.

There are many ways for you to donate.

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