Nova Scotia Supports and Services
In this section you will find information on who and how to contact someone if you are in a crisis. You will also find information for: contact information for organizations, Newcomers to NS, Youth and Young Adults, Peer Support, Mental Health Legislation, and University Supports.
(Community Resources)
Indigenous Peoples
In this section you will find information on mental and physical health for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Information is gathered from Indigenous organizations and researchers and updated regularly. Please keep checking back.
(Community Resource, Education, Promising Practices)
Community Capacity Development Resources & Tools
This section contains information on programs that develop capacity within communities through improved health care accessibility, by strengthening the knowledge, abilities, skills, and behaviour of individuals, and improving institutional structures.
(Community Resources, Education)
Awareness, Education and Training
This will take you to the CMHA NS Division’s Education and Training page to learn more about the Safe Messaging and the types of training available at this time. This page changes as new programs are added and others sunset, so please keep checking back.
(Community Resources, Education)
Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
This section contains information on suicide, prevention programs, and links to resources on risks, warning signs, and crisis numbers.
(Education)
Workplace
This section contains materials on suicide prevention and postvention in the workplace.
(Community Resources)
First Responders/Clinicians
In this section you will find toolkits and handbooks for First Responders and clinicians for helping themselves and others as First responders and as clinical staff in suicide prevention programs.
(Community Resources, Education)
Military
This section contains education materials for Military members.
(Community Resources)
Men
This section contains toolkits and programs for men’s mental health.
(Community Resources, Education)
Older Adults
This section contains a suicide prevention toolkit for seniors over 65. New materials are being added, so please check back regularly.
(Community Resources, Education)
Youth and Young Adults
This section contains toolkits, education, and mental health information for youth and young adults. If you are a university student looking for resources please click here.
(Community Resources, Education, Promising Practices)
Women
This section contains information for women’s mental health and suicide prevention.
(Community Resources, Education, Promising Practices)
Maternal Mental Health
This section will direct you to the Maternal Mental Health site. On this site you will find a comprehensive list of programs and resources available to you locally, across Canada and internationally. You will find programs, toolkits, and other resources.
(Community Resources, Education, Promising Practices)
LGBTQ+
This section contains links to toolkits and suicide prevention information for LGBTQ+.
(Community Resources, Education)
Evidence
This section contains evidentiary reports, articles, and links to programs, including e-health.
(Research, Evaluation)
General Information
Substance Use/Misuse
Mental Health & Substance Use Resources for Aboriginal Children & Youth
Guides and resources
Living With Mental Illness: A Guide For Family and Friends
CMHA NS CAST Program Community Suicide Awareness CAN-Kit (2016).
Depression and Suicide Prevention: Resource Toolkit. Centre for Suicide Prevention (2015).
How to Support Those Living With Suicide Loss: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (2014).
Fact Sheets
Bullying and Suicide – Center for Suicide Prevention (2017)
Injury Prevention and Suicide – Center for Suicide Prevention (2017)
Trauma Informed Care and Suicide- Center for Suicide Prevention (2017)
Did You Know…Physician Standards and Etiquette in NS
Did You Know…Men Can Get Postpartum Depression too?
Nova Scotia Supports and Services
For more resources available in your area please dial 2-1-1 or contact the CAST Program.
Crisis
911 Emergency Services
Call in the case of emergency.
Available 24/7
9-1-1
Kids Help Phone
www.kidshelpphone.ca
Bilingual and anonymous phone counseling and referrals for children and youth.
Available 24/7
1.800.668-6868 (Toll Free)
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team [MHMCT]
Provides crisis support and intervention for children, youth, and adults experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide.
Available 24/7
902.429.8167
1.888.429.8167 (Toll Free)
General
211 Nova Scotia
www.ns.211.ca
Confidential information and referral service for community and social services available across the province.
Available 24/7
2-1-1
Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia [CMHA NS] Division
www.novascotia.cmha.ca
Dedicated to promoting the mental health of all Nova Scotians through advocacy, education, research and service. Also offers general mental health information and resource referral.To find a branch near you click here or contact us.
Monday – Friday | 830 am – 430 pm
902.466.6600
1.877.466.6606 (Toll Free)
Grief & Bereavement
Suicide Loss Survivors
Our Survivors of Suicide Loss package has many contacts for grief and bereavement support groups throughout different communities in Nova Scotia
www.cdha.nshealth.ca
NovaScotia Health Authority- Grief and Bereavement Services:
meet the needs of friends and families of patients admitted to palliative care, if you need help, a listening ear or would like more information please contact:
Bereavement Coordinator:
Tel: 902-473-1622
Fax: 902-473-3103
roy.ellis@nshealth.ca
Dartmouth General Hospital Grief Support Group
(902) 465-8472
Group support for anyone who has lost a loved one in the past year.
Hospice Society of Greater Halifax – Bereavement Support Group
http://hospicehalifax.org/index.php/programs/
(902) 446-0929
Trained facilitators guide discussion and provide information about loss and grief.
GriefShare – Dartmouth
(902) 435-1456
An ongoing weekly support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them.
Older Adults
Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia
The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia can help you by providing information, resources, education and support
http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/ns/We-can-help
Tel: 902-422-7961 or toll free within Nova Scotia 1-800-611-6345
Fax: 902-422-7971
E-mail: alzheimer@asns.ca
Newcomers to NS
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
www.isans.ca
ISANS recognizes the key role of immigrants in Canadian society. They work with newcomers to help them build a future in Canada. ISANS provides a wide range of services to immigrants, from refugee resettlement to professional programs, from family counselling to English in the Workplace.
Monday – Friday | 830am – 430pm
902.423.3607
Youth & Young Adults
HRM University Supports
www.novascotia.cmha/resources/hrm-university-supports
Shifting the culture of how youth and their families transition from paediatric to adult-based mental health services, and supporting collaborative pathways between universities and mental health and addiction services when needed.
For more information, contact Deborah Phillips at deborah.phillips@nshealth.ca
To view our new Indigenous Health and Safety page, please click here.
Peer Support
Self Help Connection
A self-help resource center or clearinghouse for hundreds of support/self-help groups in Nova Scotia, including topics such as anxiety, stress, depression, and many others.
Monday – Friday | 800am – 400pm
902.466.2011
1.866.765.6639 (Toll Free)
Mental Health Legislation and Legislators
Nova Scotia Mental Health Act
Digital copy of Bill No. 109, cited as the Mental Health Act
Adult Capacity and Decision Making Act
On December 28, 2017, the Adult Capacity and Decision-making Act became law. It replaces the Incompetent Persons Act. This new law is for adults who cannot make some or all decisions for themselves.
Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act
An Act for an individual’s rights during a voluntary and involuntary psychiatric treatment.
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness(DHW)
DHW works with partners throughout Nova Scotia to develop and implement programs that help Nova Scotians access healthcare services, promote wellness and activity, strengthen healthcare policies and keep people healthy.
Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA)
Nova Scotia Health Authority provides health services to Nova Scotians and some specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. We operate hospitals, health centres and community-based programs across the province.
College of Physicians and Surgeons NS
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia serves the public by regulating the province’s medical profession in accordance with the Medical Act and its regulations.
University Supports
The Stay Connected Mental Health Project is a visionary initiative made possible by a generous donation by Fred and Elizabeth Fountain, in memory of their son Alex.
We are shifting the culture of how youth and their families transition from paediatric to adult-based mental health services, and supporting collaborative pathways between universities and mental health and addiction services when needed.
Creating Pathways & Overcoming Barriers
- Transition Guidelines
- Youth Readiness
- Health Provider Education
- Family Mentorship
- Landscape Map
- University Student Mental Health Peer Support
- University Liaison Committee
- MH: 101
- AAU Mental Health Working Group
- Transitions Resource
- University Health Education
For more information, contact Deborah Phillips at deborah.phillips@nshealth.ca
HRM University Supports
If you are attending university in Halifax, find support by calling:
Dalhousie
Counselling Services 902-494-2171
Health Services 902-494-2171
Security 902-494-4109 (24/7)
www.dal.ca/healthservices
King’s College
Dal Counselling 902-494-2081
Dal Health 902-494-2171
Dean of Students Office 902-422-1271, ext. 131
Residence Don on-duty 902-422-1271, ext. 132
(ask for Don on duty)
Mount Saint Vincent University
Counselling Services 902-457-6567
Health Services 902-457-6354
Security 902-457-6412 (24/7)
www.msvu.ca/counsellingservices or www.msvu.ca/healthservices
NSCAD University
Counselling Services 902-494-8260
SMU Health Services 902-420-5611
www.nscad.ca/wellness
Saint Mary’s University
Counselling Centre 902-420-5615
Student Health 902-420-5611
Residence Desk 902-420-5591 (24/7)
www.smu.ca/mentalhealth
Look for Mental Health Peer Support on all campuses
***Contact Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team at 902-429-8167 for urgent intervention
A downloadable version of this document is available here.
Resources for Substance Use Post Secondary
Links to resources related to substance use related policies, alcohol, cannabis, opioids, across substances, resources for facilitating dialogue on campus about substance use, sexual violence, residence, learning environments, related frameworks and additional planning resources and engagement tools.
Community Capacity Development
Capacity-building in family health Innovative in-service training program for teams in Latin America
Awareness
Safe Messaging
Education and raising awareness about suicide are essential components of the CAST Program suicide prevention model. Whether delivering a speech or presentation, communicating through print, or posting on social media platforms – public communication about suicide requires care and consideration.
For more information, click here.
Training
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
safeTalk
Education
Listening to One Another(LTOA)
LTOA originates out of a collaboration between First Nations communities in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec and research teams based out of McGill University, the University of Lincoln, Nebraska and the University of Manitoba. It is currently being adapted for Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq in partnership with the Union of Nova Scotia Indians and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq. Click here for more information.
For additional information on the program and it’s previous cohorts please see the reference materials below.
- Kirmayer, L.K., Oda Sheiner, E., Geoffroy, D., (2016). Mental Health Promotion for Indigenous Youth. In Hodes, M. and Gau, S. eds., Positive Mental Health, Fighting Stigma and Promoting Resiliency for Children and Adolescents. Published by Elsevier.
- Boksa, P., Joober, R. & Kirmayer, L.J. (2015). [Editorial] Mental wellness in Canada’s Aboriginal communities: Striving towards reconciliation. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 40(6): 263-365.
- Kirmayer, L.J. (2015). [Editorial] The health and well-being of Indigenous youth. Acta Paediatrica, 104(1): 2-4.
- Kirmayer, L. J., Sehdev, M., & Isaac, C. (2009). Community resilience: Models, metaphors and measures. International Journal of Indigenous Health, 5(1), 62.
- Wexler, L., Chandler, M., Gone, J., Cwik, M., Kirmayer, L.J., LaFromboise, T., Brockie, T., O’Keefe, V., Walkup, J. & Allan, J. (2015). Advancing suicide prevention research with rural American Indian and Alaska Native populations. American Journal of Public Health, 105(5): 891-899
- Crawford, D. (2016). Sustainable community based prevention work: An example from collaboration with our Indigenous partners. In Dombrowski, K. and Gocchi Carrasco, K. eds., Reducing Health Disparities: Research Updates from the Field
- Walls, M. L., & Whitbeck, L. B. (2011). Distress among Indigenous North Americans generalized and culturally relevant stressors. Society and mental Health, 1(2), 124-136.
- Whitbeck, L. B. (2006). Some guiding assumptions and a theoretical model for developing culturally specific preventions with Native American people.Journal of Community Psychology, 34(2), 183-192.
Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
Knowledge truly is power. Some of the most powerful ways to engage in suicide prevention involve the use of factual information about suicide while having supportive conversations with others. Check out the following links for additional information on Suicide preventions, interventions, and postventions.
Working Together to Prevent Suicide
It’s Time to Start Talking About Suicide
Hope, Purpose, Connection – We All Need It
Celebrity Suicide Deaths- Preventing contagion
Interventions to Prevent Suicides from Bridges
Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
Working Together to Prevent Suicide
There are many factors that contribute to suicide that range from the personal to the societal. For this reason, prevention requires complex and multifaceted approaches.
At the CAST Program, we believe that both individual and community action are essential for preventing suicide. By providing the necessary information and training, communities can become safer from suicide.
When community members come together – each with their unique skills and abilities – the results of the group can be far greater than each person’s effort alone.
It’s Time to Start Talking About Suicide
There is a great deal of stigma associated with suicide in our society. The misconceptions and myths surrounding suicide result in people fearing, avoiding, and/or distancing themselves from talking about it.
We know that avoidance is not effective. Despite what many believe, safe and respectful talk about suicide will not increase someone’s risk or ‘plant ideas’ in someone’s head.
Instead, safe and respectful talk creates room for conversation, connection, and an opportunity to reach out and get appropriate help.
Hope, Purpose, Connection – We All Need It
Those who die by suicide (the act of intentionally causing one’s own death) typically have experienced an unbearable amount of pain and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
They may also have felt a lack of connection to their social environment, even if there were caring people around them. Thoughts of suicide grow in the perceived absence of hope and purpose.
Suicide is not a moral weakness or a character defect. Those who have died by suicide were in a place of extreme desperation, often unaware of resources that could help.
If you have lost a loved one to suicide, please know that it is not your fault and support is available. Sometimes, when people experience overwhelming feelings of pain or distress they are unable to see the love and care available around them. For more information, please see Survivors of Suicide.
Complex Contributing Factors
Suicide is a complex issue that is typically influenced by a variety of individual and societal factors. Suicide is rarely caused by a single event or loss in someone’s life.
Factors associated with increased suicide risk include loss, trauma, addiction, financial hardship, mental or physical health issues, depression, anxiety, serious illness, and/or major life changes.
One’s own personal and subjective experience of a situation(s) or stressor(s) is more important than the nature of the event itself. A situation that may not seem like a “big deal” to some, may be an extremely traumatic and challenging experience for those who are at risk.
Suicide spreads across different age, economic, social, and racial backgrounds. Unfortunately, anyone can be at risk. Suicide affects virtually everyone in some way, whether it be individually or through someone we know.
Reaching Out to Others
Those who die by suicide usually tell others in some way about their intentions. A person who dies by suicide without any warning is very rare.
Understanding warning signs and reaching out to others can make all the difference. For more information, please see Risk Factors & Warning Signs.
If you’re unsure whether someone is having thoughts of suicide, the best way to find out is to ask. If you are uncomfortable asking this question, you can connect them with someone who can. For more information, please see What To Do If Someone Is In a Crisis.
If you are worried about how someone will react, keep in mind that people are often relieved to share their thoughts of suicide with another person. Doing so gives them an opportunity to talk about the feelings and experiences that have contributed to their thoughts of suicide.
Click here for:
Workplace
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace- Who’s Responsibility is it?: Working Minds.
First Responders/Clinicians
Online modules for healthcare professionals.
Understanding Links among Opioid Use, Overdose, and Suicide
Traditional Masculinity Can Hurt Boys, Say New A.P.A. Guidelines
Military
Military Suicide Prevention Toolkit. Centre for Suicide Prevention (2014).
Men
Toolkits
Men and Suicide Resource Toolkit: A High Risk Population. Centre for Suicide Prevention (2014)
Men and Suicide toolkit: Center for Suicide Prevention (2017)
Resources
Heads Up Guys
https://headsupguys.org/
For Men. About Men. Health Strategies For Managing And Preventing Depression
Headstrong – Taking Things Head-On
https://headstrong.life/about-the-project/
Helps with access resources and care for men’s mental health. In participating pharmacies, you will find the knowledge and skills of pharmacists in helping men in their communities who live with any or all of the following: depression, anxiety, insomnia, problems with alcohol and/or tobacco, and thoughts, intentions, and/or behaviours related to suicide. Visit a pharmacy today.
Movember Foundation
The only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round. Addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.
The Man-Up Against Suicide (MUAS) project
http://www.manupagainstsuicide.ca/
To better understand men’s depression and suicide from the perspective of men who have previously experienced suicidality and the perspectives of men and women who have lost a male to suicide as a means to stimulating community conversations and destigmatizing men’s depression and suicide.
The Men’s Depression and Suicide Network
http://menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/
The Men’s Depression and Suicide Network (MD&S-Net) comprises 5 projects dedicated to developing, implementing, and formally evaluating a suite of innovative men-centred, face-to-face and online technology interventions.
Older Adults
Plus 65: Senior’s Suicide Prevention Resource Toolkit. Centre for Suicide Prevention (2014).
Youth and Young Adults
Not a child: Children and Suicide Resource Toolkit. Centre for Suicide Prevention (2013).
Teen Suicide: Resource Toolkit. Centre for Suicide Prevention (2015).
Suicide Prevention in Schools: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
Responding to Stressful Events: Helping Teens Cope. Public Health Agency of Canada (2005)
A counselling Guide For Youth Suicide Prevention: Regis College
Teen Addiction Resources from The Recovery Village, a US-based youth recovery centre
How to Help if Someone on Social Media Expresses Suicidal Thoughts
Women
Beneath the Smile: A Woman’s Suicide Prevention Toolkit. Centre for Suicide Prevention (2012).
Women and Suicide Toolkit: Center for suicide Prevention (2017)
Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Websites with resources and information
https://www.ontarioprenataleducation.ca/infant-loss/ (ON)
https://pailnetwork.sunnybrook.ca/resources-for-families/(ON PaIL network)
http://cjfirstcandle.org/october-sids-pregnancy-infant-loss-awareness-month-2/ (USA)
News Articles
Candlelighting ceremony honours grief of pregnancy, infant loss that ‘never goes away’
I am not overprotective—I am a mom who lost a child
Province creates Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
Peer Reviewed Articles on Grief and Perinatal Loss
Complicated grief after perinatal loss
Pregnancy After Perinatal Loss: The Relationship Between Anxiety and Prenatal Attachment
Previous prenatal loss as a predictor of perinatal depression and anxiety
LGBTQ
LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Resource toolkit. SuicideInfo.ca (2013).
Suicide Prevention Among LGBT Youth. Suicide Prevention Resource Center (2014).
Research
e-health, Journals, Evidence
Building_Capacity_to_use_e-Health_in_Maternal__Newborn_and_Child_Health_Interventions
Program Evaluations
Capacity-building in family health Innovative in-service training program for teams in Latin America
Suicide Prevention Articles and Report
2018
Focusing on Hope
2016
Suicide Prevention. Mental Health Commission of Canada (2016).
2014
Identifying Suicide-Prevention Interventions: Rapid Synthesis. McMaster Health Forum (2014).
2013
Preventing suicide and self-harm. Scottish Government (2013).
Suicide Prevention. Health Canada: First Nations & Inuit Health. (2013).
2012
Essential Questions on Suicide Bereavement and Postvention. Andriessen, K. & Krysinska, K. (2012).
2011
2010
2009
Current Approaches to Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention. Kirmayer, L. J. et al. (2009).
2008
Advancing Prevention Research on the Role of Culture in Suicide Prevention. Joe, S. et al. (2008).
2007
2003
2001
Suicide Intervention Articles and Reports
2014
Identifying Suicide-Prevention Interventions: Rapid Synthesis. McMaster Health Forum (2014).
2013
2008
Suicide Postvention Articles and Supports
2016
After a Student Suicide Toolkit
2015
2014
Suicide Bereavement and Postvention in Major Suicidology Journals. Andrieseen, K. (2014).
2013
2012
Essential Questions on Suicide Bereavement and Postvention. Andriessen, K. & Krysinska, K. (2012).
2011
Estimating the Population of Survivors of Suicide: Seeking an Evidence Base. Berman, A.L. (2011).
2010
2009
2008