The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, they speak to me.
The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky, the rhythm
of the sea, speaks to me.
The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning,
the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me.
The strength of the fire, the taste of the salmon, the trail
of the sun, and the life that never goes away,they speak to me.
And my heart soars. (Chief Dan George)
Earlier this month, the federal government launched a toll-free number for First Nations and Inuit people who are experiencing mental health issues. That number is 1-855-242-3310.
If you're worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them, according to the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention.
Here are some of the warning signs:
Suicidal thoughts.
Substance abuse.
Purposelessness.
Anxiety.
Feeling trapped.
Hopelessness and helplessness.
Withdrawal.
Anger.
Recklessness.
Mood changes.
Crisis Response Services
Individuals who live in BC and who are looking for immediate support for themselves, a friend or
family member can call 1 800 SUICIDE (784-2433)
The following websites also provide resources, information and online support to those in
distress http://www.youthinbc.com/ or http://www.youthspace.ca/ or http://www.mindcheck.ca/ or
http://www.yourlifecounts.org/#
For a complete list of all crisis line numbers in BC go to
http://www.crisislines.bc.ca/index_files/Page338.htm
For a user-friendly, comprehensive summary of additional ways to get help go to
http://mindyourmind.ca/help
Crisis Support for Aboriginal Peoples
Native Youth Crisis Hotline at 1-877-209-1266
British Columbia Aboriginal People Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717
A National Indian Residential School 24-hour Crisis Line provides support for residential
school survivors. Call 1-866-925-4419
Support for GLTBQ youth
Prideline is open weeknights (Monday to Friday) from 7pm to 10pm. It is staffed by
trained volunteers who can provide information, support, and referrals to gay, lesbian,
transgendered, bisexual, queer and questioning youth.
Vancouver/ Lower Mainland: 604 684-6869
1 800 566-1170 (toll-free) in BC
A list of provincial and national LGBTQ friendly crisis lines is available on the Stigma and
Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre website
Additional information on community resources, events and support services for GLTBQ youth
and their families and friends is available at Pflag Canada