In a time of personal crisis, there’s security in knowing a real human is being there, ready to listen.

On Nov. 30, 2023, Canada launched 9-8-8, a suicide crisis helpline that provides support 24/7 through phone calls or text for those who are thinking of suicide, or for callers who know someone who is. Local charity, Distress Centre Calgary, is a 988 Partner.

Distress Centre Calgary has been involved in the different iterations of the hotline, going back to 2002 with the Canadian Distress Line Network to the Canada Suicide Prevention Service to Talk Suicide, and now to 988.

Sarah Sandall, senior manager of crisis and navigation with Distress Centre Calgary, said that whenever someone connects with 988, they’re provided support in that moment.

“You’re connected to another human being that will provide empathy and a safe place to talk about whatever they’re going through,” said Sandall.

“They’ll listen to what they’re experiencing at that moment and give them that space to talk. Then the responder will further explore what they’re feeling, with a focus on keeping them safe now and then helping them find a way forward.”

She said the main focus of 988 is to prevent suicide, but anyone who calls will receive support. Roughly 12 people per day die by suicide in Canada, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. 

When a caller or texter reaches 988, there’s a compassionate ear on the other end. The trained responders listen without judgment and provide empathy.  Responders, using best suicide prevention practices, will help a person create a safe space at an overwhelming time.

“People are not alone. Their feelings are valid and important. They matter and they deserve to receive support from someone,” Sandall said. All calls and texts to 988 are confidential.

Beyond the call or text

Since the launch, Alberta’s 988 portal has seen roughly 1,500 calls and 1,400 texts per month. Distress Centre Calgary answers the southern half of the province and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region answers the northern half.

988 is coordinated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and funded by the Government of Canada.

If callers do need follow-up, that support is there, Sandall said. After they’ve crafted an initial safety plan with the caller, they can check in to see how that safety plan is working.

While 988 doesn’t provide specific resources, it does have appropriate information where people can find ongoing help and support. They may be referred to 2-1-1, which can connect them with the services that they might need to manage their life situation.

They can also connect a caller with a mobile crisis team in different communities across the country.

The need is real right now, too. There are people across Canada who are struggling with the world around them. It’s reflected not only in calls to Distress Centre Calgary’s local crisis lines but also to 988.

“Our call volumes remain high. They’ve been pretty steady over the last few years,” Sandall said.  

“It’s obvious that people are struggling in the community, and many of the things that we’re hearing about in media on a daily basis echo the calls that we’re receiving as well. That’s also the same for 988.”

If you or someone you know needs help, there is support available.

If you are thinking of suicide, you can call or text 988 to be connected with someone who will listen. 988 is available 24 hours a day.   

You can also call or text the Distress Centre Calgary crisis line at 403-266-HELP (4357). If you need mental health support or to be connected with social services assistance, you can also call or text 211.