Programs
988 Suicide
Crisis Helpline
You’re Not Alone.
Support Is Here.
9-8-8 is a three-digit helpline that provides urgent, live support by phone and text for anyone who is thinking about suicide, seeking crisis support, or who is worried about someone they know.
Distress Centre Calgary is a 9-8-8 partner and part of the network of crisis lines across the country whose responders take 9-8-8 calls and texts.
How to get help
call or text 988
Whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. 988 responders are here to help.
call 911
If you have recently tried to harm yourself, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
Distress Centre Calgary has been involved with the efforts to offer a national suicide prevention service since the Canadian Distress Line Network (CDLN) formed in 2002.
Crisis Services Canada evolved out of the CDLN and launched the Canada Suicide Prevention Service in 2017. Distress Centre was one of the first four pilot sites when that service launched in 2017 and continued being a partner and answering contacts when it became Talk Suicide in 2022.
Our local crisis lines remain available for anyone requiring crisis and emotional support, including needing support for thoughts of suicide. We can be reached 24 hours a day by phoning or texting 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357) or chatting online.
Whether someone contacts 9-8-8 or our local lines, they will receive support. 211 also remains available for information and navigation support, including help connecting to mental health and addictions resources.
