Get Help

If you live in Windsor-Essex County, you can call the 24-hour crisis line at 519-973-4435.

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 9-8-8 offers support that is bilingual, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate and available to anyone in Canada.

Other Mental Health Resources

GET HELP:

• If you’re in crisis.
• If you’re worried about yourself.
• If you’re worried about someone else.

UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE:

• Facts & Myths
• Risk & Protective Factors
• Media Guidelines
• Suicide-safe Language

GET INVOLVED:

• Suicide Prevention Training
• Windsor Essex County Suicide Prevention Coalition
• Suicide Awareness Month

Crisis Lines:

• Community Crisis Centre (Ages 16+) 24-Hr Crisis Line: 519-973-4435
• Windsor Distress Centre (All Ages) 12pm-12am: 519-256-5000
• Crisis Text Line (All Ages): 24/7 free texting services. Text “HOME” to 686868

Walk-In Services:

• Mental Health & Addictions Urgent Care Clinic, Windsor Regional Hospital (1030 Ouellette Ave., Windsor)
• Erie Shores HealthCare (194 Talbot St. W., Leamington)

The vast majority of people who have thoughts of suicide, or who have attempted suicide, do not die by suicide. Many people can recover from these experiences and live full and meaningful lives.

Many suicidal people indicate their intent either verbally or through changes in behaviour.

People who feel suicidal may:

• show a sudden change in mood or behaviour
• show a sense of hopelessness and helplessness
• express the wish to die or end their life
• increase substance abuse
• withdraw from people and activities that they previously enjoyed
• experience changes in sleeping patterns
• have a decreased appetite
• give away prized possessions or make preparations for their death (i.e. creating a will)

IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW:

• Threatens suicide
• Talks about wanting to die
• Appears depressed, sad, withdrawn
• Deliberately injures themself
• Shows changes in mood, behaviour or appearance
• Abuses drugs and/or alcohol

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Listen to them and take them seriously. Don’t judge or minimize their feelings. Be positive and hopeful.
• Ask them if they are having thoughts of suicide. Don’t be afraid that you will put the idea in their head. It may be a relief for them to talk about it.
• Ask if they have a plan. Depending on their answer you may want to limit their access to lethal means, such as medication, knives or firearms.
• Let them know help is available and that the cause of their thoughts of suicide can be successfully treated.
• Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.
• Encourage them to seek help from a doctor or mental health provider, and offer to help with this if they would like.
• Seek support yourself. It is important that you don’t carry this burden alone.

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit Mental Health Profile is available here.