Ottawa Mental Health Resources
Everyone wants to be happy, content and healthy. Unfortunately, anyone can become stressed, overwhelmed, or have problems with moods, feelings and behaviours. Common mental health problems include anxiety, depression, eating disorders and addictions. Fortunately, help is available. See the available resources below:
Is someone in a crisis? Crisis lines offer free, immediate and confidential one-on-one assistance to callers in need and usually operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are generally staffed by either paid professionals, or trained volunteers. They will listen, offer support and advice, and if necessary, will try to help the caller get connected to help in his/her community.
Looking for an appointment the same day, or within a few days? Walk-in counselling clinics provide counseling services, without a need to book a long time in advance. They can be helpful for many issues such as family conflict, stress, grief, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, separation, divorce or abuse. Most of the time, no appointment is required, though some clinics may require you to call ahead the same day to book appointments for that day).
Is there an emergency such as medical or mental health emergency? If less intense options (e.g. calling a crisis line) are not possible or haven't helped, then it may be helpful to visit the local hospital Emergency Department. Typical mental health emergencies include:
thoughts of suicide to the point where the person requires emergency help to keep them from ending their life;
manic episode or psychosis where a person is behaving in an irrational way with inability to function.
Are you looking for help, but don't know where to get started?
Consider contacting an Information and Referral (I & R) service, which can help you to
Find out about resources (i.e. 'information'), and
Connect you to those resources (i.e. 'referral').
"Addictions" refers to problems using drugs or alcohol or other problem behaviours. Gambling can also be addictive and can cause severe financial, emotional, and relationship problems.
Self-help, mutual aid and support groups are non-profit, voluntary organizations which provide support to individuals who share a common experience.
As defined by the International Network of Mutual Help centers, self-help groups are non-profit; open to members of the general public who share a common experience; meet face-to-face on a regular, ongoing basis, and are open to new members; provide mutual support through discussion and sharing of information and experiences. Members use their individual strengths to support each other, and can use their collective strengths to promote social change; Run by and for group members. Although professional (health care) providers may participate at the request of the group, their role stays that of a consultant.
Counselling and therapy can be helpful for dealing with a wide variety of issues (e.g. stress and coping, relationship problems) and mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, etc.)