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Today is Better

Introduction

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, the world can seem like a very dark place. But you’re not alone―help is available.
 
The Today is Better campaign shows that reaching out can make all the difference. Its poignant and hopeful videos feature the personal stories of people who’ve experienced suicidal thoughts but found help. Their stories are proof that life can get better.

Trailer Video

The initiative

The Today is Better initiative was developed by Operation Lifesaver (OL) Canada, in collaboration with the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline and the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS). OL is a national not-for-profit that works to prevent serious injuries and fatalities on rail lines—incidents that have long-lasting impacts on victims, friends and families, rail employees, first responders, and communities.
 
The Today is Better campaign is one way that OL is working to prevent rail tragedies. Each of the following videos sends an important message to those facing mental health challenges: you don’t have to face them alone.

Videos

Ana's Story
Michel's Story
Lana's Story
Paul's Story
Karla's Story
Shane's Story
Jerry's Story
Jaylene's Story

Helpful resources

LENDING STAR-POWER TO TODAY IS BETTER

Shawnee Kish, a gifted singer-songwriter and rising musical star, is lending her support to the TIB campaign.

Announced during Rail Safety Week 2024, Shawnee's vocal support of TIB encourages people of all ages to reach out to someone – a loved one or a trained stranger at 9-8-8 – if they're experiencing thoughts of suicide. Tomorrow can be better if you reach out today.

Shawnee has previously supported mental health awareness programs for Kids Help Phone. OL Canada will share her powerful message and music at select school presentations and other outreach events.

Shawnee's latest single, "I'm Alive," is streaming everywhere now. The video is here.

 

Helpful resources

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts? Help is available—and it’s just a phone call away. If you need to talk, a trained responder is ready to listen.

Please contact:
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Anytime, day or night. 
 

Help us ensure #TODAYISBETTER

Share this page on social media—and make sure the people in your life know that help is available. 

OL would like to thank Talk Suicide Canada, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide for their assistance in reviewing the Today is Better materials and website, as well as CTV for its generous media sponsorship of the Today is Better campaign.