Is this a mental health emergency?

A mental health emergency is a life threatening situation where a person is imminently threatening harm to self or others, severely disorientated or out of touch with reality, has a severe inability to function, or is otherwise distraught and out of control.

Examples include: Acting on a suicidal threat, homicidal or threatening behaviours, self-injury requiring immediate medical attention, severely impaired judgement as a result of consuming drugs or alcohol, highly erratic or unusual behaviour that is very unpredictable and/or an inability to care for self.

Call 911 immediately

You feel that your loved one is at imminent risk of serious injury or death or if your loved one is posting a serious risk of bodily harm to someone else.

Examples:

• A person is going to attempt suicide or was interrupted in an attempt
• A person has a weapon or is actively threatening themselves or others with physical violence
• You find your loved one severely under the influence of drugs or unconscious

Call a crisis line

Call the mental health crisis line at 1-866-996-0991 and explain the current situation: My loved one is having a mental health/addiction emergency and is willing to see a mental health professional.

Examples:

• A person from the mental health crisis team may be able to come in person to the home
• The mental health team may advise visiting a local hospital for urgent care

Visit the closest hospital emergency department

You are extremely concerned about the physical safety of your loved one.

Examples:

• Your loved one feels like immediately acting on their suicidal thoughts
• Your loved one is suffering from withdrawal symptoms and there are concerns about physical safety