If you need help right now
You don’t have to explain or qualify. These lines are free, open all day and night, and answered by real people.
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Call or text now
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Emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or has taken something that could hurt them.
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Suicide Crisis Helpline
Free, 24/7, anywhere in Canada. For anyone thinking about suicide, or worried about someone.
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BC Mental Health Support Line
Free, 24/7. No area code needed. For emotional support any time.
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KUU-US Crisis Line
Free, 24/7. Culturally safe support for Indigenous people in BC.
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Kids Help Phone
Call 1‑800‑668‑6868 Text CONNECT to 686868
Free, 24/7, for young people.
If you’re not sure it’s an emergency
Call or text 9‑8‑8 anyway. You don’t need to be about to act on anything. “I’m not okay and I don’t know what to do” is a good enough reason to call.
If you’re worried about someone else, you can call too. The person on the line will help you work out what to say and do.
While you wait, or if you can’t talk yet
- Breathe in through your nose for a count of four.
- Hold for a moment.
- Breathe out slowly, longer than you breathed in.
- Do it again. Then look around and name five things you can see.
If you’ve taken something, or you’re hurt, call 9‑1‑1 first.
More specific help
- VictimLinkBC 1‑800‑563‑0808 Family and sexual violence, call or text, 24/7, many languages.
- Gambling Support BC 1‑888‑795‑6111 Free gambling help, 24/7.
- BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service 1‑800‑663‑1441 Detox and treatment options, 24/7.
- National Overdose Response Service 1‑888‑688‑6677 If you use alone, they’ll stay on the line and send help if you stop responding.
- Hope for Wellness 1‑855‑242‑3310 Indigenous people across Canada, 24/7, by phone or online chat.
About Desert Solace and emergencies
Desert Solace isn’t an emergency service. We can’t always reply to messages or calls quickly, and our counsellors aren’t on call. If you’re one of our clients and you’re in crisis, use the lines above, then let your counsellor know when you can.
When you’re through the worst of it, we’re here. A free consultation is a good next step.
Next you’ll pick a time in Jane, our secure booking system. It asks for your name, email and phone.