Seeking Help
It takes strength to ask for help with mental health. If you have been thinking about reaching out, here are some places to start.
Life can feel challenging sometimes – people face stressful times or events in their own ways. At times, there may be so much to handle that you feel overwhelmed.
Many people experience mental health challenges at one time or another in their lives. For some, these challenges may become more frequent or interfere with day-to-day activities.
However, you don’t need to be facing challenges to reach out for support. Speaking to someone about mental health can be a regular part of your life, just like seeing a doctor for check-ups.
Whether you would like to find support for yourself, a loved one, or friend, it’s okay if you don’t know where to start. Taking the first step can feel confusing and uncertain. No matter what you are experiencing, there are ways to get help and feel supported.
If you are an adult looking for support for your own mental health, here are some places to start:
- Learn about getting help for mental health challenges.
- Call 310Mental Health Support (310-6789, no area code required) for emotional support and mental health information.
- Call 8-1-1, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to talk to a health services navigator or a registered nurse about mental health supports and services in your community. 8-1-1 provides translation services (on request) in more than 130 languages.
If you are a parent or caregiver seeking support for a young person, there are ways to get connected to support:
- Learn how families can take the first steps in supporting youth and finding help.
Resources
Showing 5 Resources
HealthLink BC (8-1-1)
Free, reliable non-emergency health information and advice available by phone (8-1-1), online, or mobile app.
310 Mental Health Support
Provides a toll-free number connecting callers to a BC crisis line, without a wait or busy signal. Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns.
Anxiety Canada
Tools, resources, anxiety plans and courses to help anyone living with anxiety.
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
Provides mental health and substance use information, resources, help with mental health system navigation, and peer support to children, youth and their families from across BC. Support is also available to people of all ages with eating disorders or disordered eating concerns.
Support is available by phone, email or in person at the centre. Services include educational events for parents, caregivers, and school and health professionals.
4555 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC
Foundry Virtual
Provides access to virtual services through an app and web portal for youth and their caregivers in BC. Services are free and confidential; no referral or assessment is needed.
Use the app to drop-in or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, join a youth group or caregiver group, find peer support, or browse a library of tools and resources.