Need Canadian DU'er help! A friend there needs mental health help

[Viva_La_Revolution]

I know nothing about how the Canadian system works.. who should she call?

[rocktivity]

1. You could try calling on the DU Canada Group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1087


rocktivity

[jambo101]

2. If i needed mental health care.

I'd talk it over with my doctor who would refer me to the appropriate professional/
If no family doctor visit a walk-in clinic and discuss your needs with the resident doctor.
Or just go to the hospital emergency room if its critical or book an appointment at a hospital psychiatry department.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. she said she went to emergency before and they just sent her home

I'm guessing she didn't tell them she was suicidal.
Is that what she needs to tell them? or her roommate needs to?

[polly7]

6. Yes, I think that would be best ...

Usually they're really good here with mental health issues, especially emergencies.

[laundry_queen]

7. She needs to go to emerg and be specific

They have a tendency to not take you seriously unless you say you are suicidal. When I went in with a panic attack (thought it was a heart attack) they got me in to see a psychiatrist in 2 weeks (and that was not as urgent). It depends on who you see - it can be a crapshoot. I've heard of people being patted on the head and sent home and of people being admitted. She needs to be insistent (it would probably help if she brought someone with her as an advocate).

There should also be specific numbers within the health authority she lives in. Or the province might have some numbers too. Our local health authority has a crisis line. She should go to her health authority's website and see what she can find. I hope she's okay.

[rocktivity]

10. Having your confidence shaken is almost as bad as being suicidal.

And I think Robin Williams' death has shaken many. I read this on another message board yesterday:

"As someone who battles depression, it scares me to think about it getting so bad that he committed suicide."

Well, it scares me to think that she probably isn't the only one who is wondering "If HE couldn't win the battle -- despite his fame, fortune and rehab -- what hope is there for ME?"


rocktivity

[octoberlib]

4. I'm not from Canada but here are some phone numbers

http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/international/canada-suicide-hotlines.html


This website might be more useful http://www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca/

[polly7]

5. Yes, if she can't or won't go to emerg or can't get help there, those numbers

will direct her to a crisis line, there are also mobile crisis teams in most provinces.

http://www.cmha.ca/get-involved/find-your-cmha/

Find Your Local CMHA - The link above lists all of the provincial numbers.

I hope she's ok ...

[SidDithers]

8. Contact the local CMHA office...

http://www.cmha.ca/get-involved/find-your-cmha/

Edit: info was already posted in the thread. Good answer polly.

Sid

[polly7]

12. You too, Sid. I do have a list here with my EMS stuff but it's just regional, that site

will get help everywhere (hopefully).

[Viva_La_Revolution]

9. Thank you all! She's getting help as I post this

It was a near thing, luckily her roommate just got home, and I messaged him to check on her.

I met this person online, playing a facebook game, but she is my friend...

Please, if anyone you know is depressed, talk to them. Don't let them have to resort to someone online they've never really met.

[polly7]

11. You are a very good person.

Sometimes 'online' friends are easier to relate to about just how bad things are, I'm so glad you were there for her. And very wise words .... even if you suspect someone you know is having a rough time, it doesn't hurt one single bit to ask. Many people in pain feel such shame - just a simple question can open the floodgates. Or, they can tell you to mind your own business - but I think anyone can survive that. You did good!