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If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1.

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 9-8-8

​Call 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide

310 Mental Health Support

310-6789 (NO AREA CODE)

Call for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

Opioid Treatment Access Line

1-833-804-8111

Call for same-day opioid addiction support.

KUU-US Crisis Response Service

1-800-588-8717

Call for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

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    young person talking to a group

    Youth Resilience

    Fostering resilience in the young people we care about is crucial for their overall wellbeing. By modelling resilience ourselves and by teaching it as a skill, we can help give young people the tools they need to meet challenges.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
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    Man looks out window pensively

    Anxiety, Stress, Depression. Understand the differences.

    Anxiety, depression, and stress are three common mental health concerns that can deeply impact our daily lives. But sometimes, when you’re not feeling well, it can be hard to figure out exactly why.

    Learn more
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      • Respond to an Overdose
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
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    Opioid Treatment Access Line: phone number 1-833-804-8111

    Get same-day support

    The Opioid Treatment Access Line makes it faster and easier to access life-saving medication with same-day support.

    Learn more
  • Articles

Main navigation

  • Wellbeing
    • Healthy Living
      • Eating Well
      • Staying Active
      • Sleep Habits
      • Mindfulness
    • Emotional
      • Resilience
      • Self-Esteem
      • Loneliness
    • Social
      • Stigma
      • Family
    Image
    young person talking to a group

    Youth Resilience

    Fostering resilience in the young people we care about is crucial for their overall wellbeing. By modelling resilience ourselves and by teaching it as a skill, we can help give young people the tools they need to meet challenges.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Depression
      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
    • Stress
      • Symptoms of Stress
      • Managing Stress
    • Self-Harm
    • Suicide
    • Seeking Help
      • Families Supporting Youth
      • Youth Supporting Themselves
      • Multi-Language Services in BC
    Image
    Man looks out window pensively

    Anxiety, Stress, Depression. Understand the differences.

    Anxiety, depression, and stress are three common mental health concerns that can deeply impact our daily lives. But sometimes, when you’re not feeling well, it can be hard to figure out exactly why.

    Learn more
  • Substance use
    • Types of Substance Use
      • Alcohol
      • Opioids
      • Stimulants
    • Addiction
      • Addiction and Health
      • Treatment and Recovery
    • Harm Reduction
      • Overdose Prevention
      • Respond to an Overdose
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
    Image
    Opioid Treatment Access Line: phone number 1-833-804-8111

    Get same-day support

    The Opioid Treatment Access Line makes it faster and easier to access life-saving medication with same-day support.

    Learn more
  • Articles

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Mindfulness

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Relaxation can support your overall wellbeing and help you to feel your best. One of the ways you can relax is through the practice of mindfulness. 

The practice of mindfulness has been shown to help with both mental and physical health. It can help you to manage levels of stress and anxiety in your day-to-day life.

Mindfulness is about being in the ‘here and now’. You focus on the things you sense and feel in the moment, without judging or trying to interpret them. Mindfulness practices can involve breathing techniques, the use of guided imagery, and other methods for helping your body and mind to relax.

Meditation as a tool for mindfulness practice

Meditation uses the principles of mindfulness and can be an important way of caring for yourself. It can help your mind feel calm, clear, and centered. You may want to give it a try to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Being still and taking time to relax takes practice. But over time, you can build awareness and learn how to step away from the busy-ness of everyday life and take a few minutes to breathe.

If you are interested in meditation, there are apps you can pay for, free guided mindfulness meditation audio clips, or videos you can search on YouTube.

There are also many other things you can do to relax and unwind. This may be cooking a meal you enjoy, reading a book, writing, doing yoga, or going for a walk. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath or connecting with people who you can go to for support.

Choose an activity that works for you, that you enjoy and want to continue doing. You may want to start small and just take a few minutes out of your day to slow down. This can turn into more regular practice.

Resources

Showing 4 Resources

Available B.C. wide

MindShift CBT App

Anxiety Canada Association

Provides a free phone app that helps youth and young adults cope with anxiety, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and identify active steps to help take charge of anxiety.

Features include personal journal, individual assessment tools, and web-based resources designed to improve mental wellness and tackle anxiety related concerns.

Learn More

Breathr App

Free mindfulness app for young people.

Learn More
Available B.C. wide

HeretoHelp

Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division

Provides online mental health and substance use information for individuals and families in BC. The website features thousands of plain-language resources including personal stories, articles, information sheets and content in eleven languages. As well, individuals can email requests for help, support, information or referrals.

There are also four screening self-tests visitors can take covering mental well-being, depression, anxiety disorders and risky drinking. The website is coordinated by the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division on behalf of a group of mental health and addictions non-profit agencies called the BC Partners.

Learn More
Available B.C. wide

310 Mental Health Support

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia

Provides a toll-free number connecting callers to a BC crisis line. Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns.

Learn More
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Emergency Contact Information

Call 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency. For mental health support, call:

Crisis Line

Call 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide

Mental Health Support Line

310-6789 (no area code needed)

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Emergency Contacts

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 9-8-8

Mental Health Support

310-6789