What to expect when you call a mental health help line

Provided by John McFadyen - Mobile Crisis Services Inc.

• Crisis workers will listen to you talk about what is worrying you

• They may ask you to provide information about your current situation, past situations, your current and past supports (family, friends and professionals)

• They will help you tell your story

• They will keep all aspects of your conversation confidential

• They will help you prioritize the issues you have identified, not judge you for what you’re going through

• They will assess what has worked well and what hasn’t

• They will help you determine what needs to be addressed and what can wait

• They will help you determine what you have control over and those issues you have no control over

• They will problem solve with you and identify alternatives

The hardest part is that decision to pick up the phone and call.