As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, Christine, one of the responders on the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, had this to say:
“If you or your loved ones or people that you know are suffering with thoughts of suicide, please reach out. We’re here to help. And we’re here to help you navigate and get the support and resources that you need.”
988 – a national three-digit helpline for anyone who is thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know – launched late last year. Distress Centre Calgary is a 9-8-8 Partner, whose responders answer the calls and texts from people seeking support.
988 Responders are highly trained in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, but they come from all walks of life. Christine is a retired military veteran who was in the military for 30 years before moving to Calgary for a more balanced work life. She initially joined DCC as a crisis line volunteer and then applied to become a 988 Responder when the service was launching.
Another 988 Responder, Zachary, was in various roles at DCC before his current role responding to 988 calls and texts. What keeps him at DCC, is the meaning the work provides.
“It feels right, it feels good,” Zachary said. “There’s that innate aspect of feeling good by being able to serve and help others. But more than that, even the calls and chats that don’t feel good, still feel right. This feels like it’s the place I am meant to be, to be able to do work in a way that’s helpful and supportive.”
Anyone across Canada can contact 988 by phone or text to speak to a responder. DCC responds to contacts in Southern Alberta. Though the focus of 988 is to prevent suicides, it’s never wrong to contact 988 and if someone is unsure if they’re having suicidal thoughts or is unsure if what they’re going through is related to suicide, they are encouraged to call or text 988 to speak to an empathetic person who wants to help.
“We care,” Zachary said. “We’re here because we care.”
In 2024, DCC has responded to thousands of calls and texts to 988. One of those calls was from a 10-year-old girl who was calling in because she was worried her friend might harm themselves. Christine picked up the call.
“Her friend was thinking of suicide and she called 988 to find out what to do,” Christine said. “I’m really glad she had the phone number. She was able to call and talk to me and I was able to support her and get help safely to her friend. I was so pleased that this courageous girl called for help.”
Our Local Lines
DCC plays a critical role in preventing suicides in our community and has for over 54 years. On our local lines, we provide 24-hour crisis and mental health support by phone, chat, and text.
In 2024 so far (January 1 to July 31), we’ve responded to over 5800 suicide-related contacts, which included 399 ConnecTeen calls, chats, and texts. 24% of contacts we respond to are suicide-related, with that percentage rising to 38% when looking at only chats and texts.
Whether you contact 988 or our local lines, you will receive help.
All these services are free and available 24/7:
- Phone or text: 9-8-8
- Phone or text: 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357)
- Online Chat: DistressCentre.com
You can also contact 211 by phone, text or chat to connect with other mental health services and resources.
