The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health says responders have fielded more than 300,000 calls and texts since the launch of the national 988 suicide helpline a year ago.
Dr. Allison Crawford, the chief medical officer for the helpline, says people having suicidal thoughts or other mental health distress can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week no matter where they live in Canada.
She expects the volume of calls and texts will go up as more people become aware of the service.
Crawford says it’s critical that responders answer the calls or texts quickly so someone needing help doesn’t give up.
The average wait time in October was 44 seconds for phone calls and one minute and 47 seconds for text — a response time Crawford says they are continually working to improve.
Calls and texts are routed to the closest available responder so they can help people find more resources in their local community if they need further assistance.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health leads the helpline, working with more than 2,000 responders from 38 community agencies across the country.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available.
Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)
Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital
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