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Mental health information, referrals and supports

Contact any of these community organizations for further mental health and well-being information, referral or supports.

Mental health services and counselling

Crisis support

Contact any of these organizations for crisis support:

Telephone help lines

Contact any of these help lines for immediate support:

• (519-973-4435)
• (1-866-531-2600)
• (1-800-668-6868)

Alcohol and drug addiction

• (for women age 16 and over)

Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Trans/Questioning (LGBTQ) youth services

Eating disorders

Proper sleeping

Cannabis use

Gambling and gaming addiction

Experiencing homelessness

Sexual health, HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Domestic violence

Pregnancy help services

Parenting classes

Youth employment and income services

Where can I go if I am a safety risk to myself or others?

If you are at risk of self-harming or harming others, please go to the Emergency Room as instructed by the .

If you are in emotional distress and not currently a safety risk to yourself or others, please go to the or the .

How do I know when it is an appropriate time to get help?

It is appropriate to get help for a mental health problem if you are having trouble functioning at school, experiencing moderate or severe distress, or finding it difficult to cope through life's challenges. Some warning signs can include

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Poor mood control
• Poor self-regulation
• Significant changes in behaviour

Learn more about how to take care of your mental health and .

How do I talk to my family about my mental health? What if they aren't supporting me?

It can be hard to share personal feelings with your family, parents or guardians. It can also be hard to share when you're not really sure what's going on yourself. You might worry about how they will react. It's natural to worry, but most parents and guardians are supportive and understanding.

Even if you think they will not be willing to help, it is still worth a try. You might be surprised by how much they will listen and rally to your side, even if they have a lot going on in their own lives. Never feel like a burden to anyone. If you reach out to talk and your family can't help, talk to another adult, such as your teacher, counsellor, principal, coach or relative.

Don't give up until you can find someone who can help you. Learn more about , such as .

How do I distinguish between panic and an anxiety attack?

An anxiety attack often comes as a reaction to a stressful event. During an anxiety attack, you may feel fearful, apprehensive, your heart racing and shortness of breath. Anxiety attacks are often short lived and when the distressing event goes away, so does the attack.

A panic attack is unprovoked and its timing is unpredictable. During a panic attack, you may seize up with terror, fear or apprehension. It may feel like you are going to die, lose control or have a heart attack. Physical symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea. You may worry about getting another panic attack when you least expect it.

Learn more about .

When should I seek help about unwanted thoughts?

It's important to remember that unwanted thoughts are just those: thoughts. Your unwanted thoughts are not part of you and they don't make up your actions or personality. Unwanted thoughts can be dangerous however. If they are causing you anguish, pain or interfering with your day-to-day life, it can be a sign that you may need to talk to a professional. Talk to your parents, guardians or another adult if this is the case.

How can I tell the difference between depression and going through a hard time?

It's natural to feel sad, down or discouraged at times. They are reactions to the hassles and hurdles of life. We may feel sad over an argument with a friend, a breakup or a best friend moving out of town. We might be disappointed about doing poorly on a test or discouraged if our team is going through a losing streak. The death of someone close can also lead to heavy grief. Most of the time, we manage these emotions and with time and care, move past them.

Depression occurs when strong moods involving sadness, discouragement, despair or hopelessness last for weeks and months at a time, or even longer. Depression affects your mood and thinking. It interferes with your ability to notice or enjoy the good things in life. Depression drains the energy, motivation and concentration that you have for normal activities.

Learn more about .

How do I cope with depression?

If you think you might be depressed, talk to a parent, guardian or other adult about getting the right help. This can include:

• Doctor's checkup
• Meeting with a counsellor
  • Talk therapy
  • Understanding emotions
  • Building confidence
  • Working out problems
  • Changing negative thinking patterns
  • Increasing self-esteem and self-acceptance
  • Increasing positive emotions and feeling happier
• Daily exercise
• Different diet
• Exposure to sunlight
• Relaxation skills

Learn more about .

What are some causes that lead to mental illness?

Many risk factors contribute to mental illness, such as biological factors, psychological factors and social factors.

Biological factors include our genes and mental illness is more common when there is a history of it in the family. Psychological factors include how you tend to respond to stress. If you experience more negative emotions in response to stress, you are more susceptible to mental illness. Social factors include stresses in your environment, such as the loss of a parent or caregiver, divorce, bullying, poverty, difficulties at school, abuse or neglect.

Learn more about mental health and .

How can I stay calm during a test?

Test anxiety can be caused by pressure on yourself or from others, past experiences or fear of failure. Some tips that can help anxiety symptoms before a test include:

• Being aware of your negative thoughts and challenging them
• Practicing breathing techniques on a regular basis
• Organizing yourself and scheduling short study sessions rather than long ones
• Creating learning aids such as cue cards, charts and outlines
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Drinking lots of water and eating healthy foods
• Avoiding caffeine and energy drinks
• Cutting out all distractions that can ruin your concentration and finding a quiet place without electronic devices

Learn more about .

My marks have dropped and there is conflict in my family. Who can I talk to?

Reach out to an adult at your school, such as your teacher, counsellor or principal. Any of these adults will listen, support and connect you with other professionals who can assist you with your challenges.

How much sleep do I need? How can I ensure I am getting the right amount?

Most teens need about eight to 10 hours of sleep per night. View WellCast's and more information on the importance of sleep from .

Kids Help Phone

 allows you to chat with a trained, volunteer crisis responder for support any time, about anything. You can contact our 24-hour support line if you are any age up to 29.

To contact Kids Help Phone, you can:

• Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• Use the 鈥淎lways There鈥� app
• Text CONNECT to 686868

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Reach out to 9-8-8

Experienced, well-trained partners across the country will be available to provide support where and when people need it the most.

• Website:  
• Available by phone and text;
• Provided in English and French; and
• Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Community Crisis Centre

Call the  at 519-973-4435 for 24-hour crisis line support if you are over age 16.

Windsor-Essex Counselling Support Line

Call the  at 519-946-3277 or 1-877-451-1055 for mild to moderate distress situations. This support line is open 24-hours and is open to those who are 18 or older.

LGBT Youth Line

Contact the  for mental health support by:

• Text 647-694-4275
• Email LGBT Youth Line

Hours: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday

At Youth Line, all volunteers are trained peer supporters ages 16 to 29 with a diversity in 2SLGBTQ + identities and lived experiences.

Hope for Wellness

Call  at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the .

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours daily to offer counselling and crisis intervention.

Black Youth Helpline

Call  for mental health support by:

• Phone: 416-285-9944
• Toll Free: 1-833-294-8650
• Email Black Youth Helpline

Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.

Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services 

Call in Line

Single session phone services for youth and their families who are not connected to a therapist. Please note that this is not a crisis service.

Phone:519-419-1397

Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last call taken at 4 p.m.)

Ages: 13-18

Naseeha Mental Health Hotline

Contact  at 1-866-627-3342 for 24-hour support.

We answer calls seven days a week from around the world to support Muslim and non-Muslim youth. Naseeha Mental Health has been a great bridge for individuals who are going through life's challenges. Where hope is lost, Naseeha is found. We provide a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need.

One Stop Talk 

Our free service provides immediate access to mental health services, when they鈥檙e needed, wherever they鈥檙e needed. We provide culturally safe and appropriate support to every corner of the province.

Phone: 1-855-416-8255

Email: [email protected]

Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 pm. (Monday to Friday); 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday)