Mental Health Help-lines in Place for Struggling Youth in Toronto Today
In Toronto, 1 of every 5 people below the age of 18 struggles with a mental health issue. With that being said, one can imagine how that statistic may rise due to our current issue with the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are not from the city, you may be wondering if the government of Canada health officials are taking care of its most valuable future asset? To answer this question, Yes. Toronto is one of the few cities around the world where healthcare is free and, especially now, there are many services in place that allow our leaders of tomorrow a safe space to counter their internal battles.
Here is a list of 5 mental health help-lines for our struggling youth in Toronto today:
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Kids Help Phone is an online and over-the-phone resource especially for youth facing bullying and abuse, identity, friends and family and relationship issues, among more. This helpline can be reached by dialing 1-800-668-6868. Youths speak with a professional counselor over the phone or online via live chat or Facebook messenger. This helpline is available 24/7 and offers the support services youths would need for safe and convenient talk and even referrals to a local community or service agency.
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Good2Talk is a helpline for post-secondary students who are between the ages of 17-25 and would like to address mental health concerns, addiction and issues surrounding well-being. These youths are guided by a professional counselor and this helpline provides a free space for anonymous and confidential information sharing. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can call 1-866-925-5454 for professional counseling.
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The Mental Health Helpline is a great start for adults and youths who get to know more about what they are dealing with at hand. Basic information is provided about mental illness and a trained professional will help to work with the individual to provide strategies to combat this issue and help meet their targeted goals. This counseling service helps provide support for the community and offers support and a listening ear for anyone in need. The number to be reached is 1-866-531-2600.
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The government of Canada has provided distress centres that can be reached through phone for people of all ages. These centres are conducted by volunteers who are highly trained in the topic and discussion of emotional distress, including issues like domestic violence, social-isolation, mental and physical health concerns and suicide. Appropriate emotional support and crisis intervention are offered, and most centres are open 24/7. If you are in need of a listening ear, call one of your Ontario Distress Centers now.
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Reached through calling 1-800-268-9688 or texting 647-694-4275, the LGBT Youthline supports the experiences of youth, under the age of 29. This is a Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit youth led organization for all youth in Ontario. This line celebrates all sexual and gender identities and provides youth-to-youth support training, anonymous peer support, referrals and resources so that youth can make informed decisions. The line relies on certain foundational values such as youth-centered, confidentiality, anti-racism, indigenous solidarity, collaboration, among many more.
Though these drastically changing times have caused an excessive rate of mental health issues among youth in Toronto, we are here to support, guide and help. These help-lines are open for immediate relief and emotional support and are, more than ever, here to listen. If you or a loved one is suffering from a Covid-inflicted mental health issue, call a hotline today.
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