For people struggling with their mental health, the world can seem like a very dark place. It can feel like there’s nowhere to turn, and no one to turn to. But help is available—and Operation Lifesaver (OL) wants to ensure Canadians know where to find it.
OL’s new suicide-prevention public-awareness campaign is reminding people that help is only a phone call or a text away. The
Today is Better campaign consists of 11 poignant and hopeful videos (six English and five French) featuring the personal stories of Canadians who’ve experienced suicidal thoughts, but found help. Their stories are proof that life can get better.
“The
Today is Better stories send an important message to anyone facing mental health issues—that you don’t have to face them alone,” says Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an incredible toll on Canadians’ mental health, making the campaign’s message more important than ever.”
As part of
Today is Better initiative, campaign posters will be installed in train and subway stations across the country, and more than 3,000 signs promoting suicide prevention hotlines will be installed along railway rights-of-way. The campaign will also be promoted on social media and on Bell Media radio and TV stations in key markets.
Providing hope to those who need it
The
Today is Better campaign is OL’s way of providing hope to people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. It was developed in collaboration with the
Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) and the
Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS) to connect Canadians in distress with trained, compassionate responders across the country.
"We know that thoughts of suicide are increasing as the pandemic continues. People living in Canada need to know they can ask for assistance during their time of greatest need," says Dr. Allison Crawford, Chief Medical Officer of the CSPS.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566, day or night. (Or you can text between 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET.) In Quebec, dial 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553) or visit
suicide.ca for 24/7 online support.
For more information about
Today is Better campaign, and to watch its “stories of hope”, please check out the website at
www.TodayIsBetter.ca. Remember: if you’re in distress, help is just a phone call away.