Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Psychological
- Thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life
- Overwhelming distress, panic, anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, anger, etc.
- Unable to cope
- Feeling shut down
Physical
- Feeling unwell
- Unable to sleep, sleeping too much, constant fatigue
- Regularly not eating enough/too much
- Significant issues due to numbing with food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, tech, etc.
- Poor concentration
- Poor decision making
- Feeling shut down or unable to cope at work
- Presenteeism or absenteeism
- Not funtioning or performing well
- Isolating from colleagues, family, friends, and social activities
- Significant lack of access to social support network
- Lost sense of purpose and meaning
- Beliefs and/or worldview are shattered
Note: You don't have to be thinking about suicide to be experiencing a crisis. It's also possible to be functioning relatively well while feeling significant distress. If you're experiencing any signs of a crisis, this page is for you.
► If you are noticing physical or psychological health changes that don't quickly resolve, that are concerning to you, or that are worsening, please speak with your primary care provider. If you're not sure how to explain what you're experiencing, show your care provider this page and use the signs above to get the conversation started.
Prioritize Coping & Help-Seeking
Call a helpline
- Not sure how to start the conversation and advocate for yourself? Start here.
- Wondering what to expect when you call? Check out these FAQs here!
Soothe your nervous system
Use coping strategies that activate your vagus nerve to help physically reduce distress:
- Slow, deep breathing (learn more about the research-backed physiological sigh)
- Humming or singing
- Splashing cold water on your face
- Meditation and mindfulness exercises
- Yoga
- Exercise
- Social connection
Focus on what you can control
- Intentionally focusing your attention on things that are within your control in this moment (even if small) can help you break the spiral and find your footing.
Avoid isolation
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Isolation tends to heighten distress. Seeking support is one of the most important things you can do.
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If you don't feel ready to talk to someone or if you don't have anyone in your life that you feel connected with, try to find ways to reduce isolation and experience a sense of connection more broadly: spend time outside in an area that feels safe, go to your favourite store, listen to music, go to a movie, volunteer, etc.
Arrange longer-term support
- After seeking help in-the-moment, set up an appointment with a therapist or your primary care provider to explore options for longer-term support.
Video: How to Cope when Life Feels Overwhelming
For additional coping strategies, please visit Strategies for Coping & Healing.
Resources for Support
When you’re experiencing a crisis and you’re struggling to cope, it’s important to reach out for professional support right away. Reaching out for support is always strong and you deserve to connect with someone who can help you navigate this challenging time.
Employee Assistance Program | 24/7
Free professional counselling, crisis support, life coaching, health coaching, career coaching, financial and legal consults, etc. for eligible UWindsor employees and their dependants.
Call 1.833.707.4747 (24/7 for crisis, 8am-8pm daily for non-crisis)
greenshieldplus.ca or download the GreenShield+ app.
Toldo Lancer Centre
UWindsor’s state-of-the-art sport and recreation complex includes an eight-lane, 25-metre pool; an indoor walking and running track; triple gymnasium; a two-level fitness centre; fully equipped multi-purpose rooms, Starbucks(r) with various social and lounge areas and more. To learn more about membership options (free and paid options), please visit: Employee + Faculty Memberships | Lancer Recreation
Campus Event Calendar
Looking for events on campus? Interested in attending a Varsity game? Check out the UWindsor event calendar!
Event Calendar | University of Windsor
*Having enjoyable activities planned and something to look forward to can help increase hope when life feels overwhelming, and exercising can help reduce feelings of isolation and increase feel-good endorphins. These resources do not provide crisis intervention or mental health care. Use recreation and engagement options as a coping strategy, not as a replacement for seeking professional support.
Mental Health & Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre | 24/7
Crisis support for individuals aged 16+ within Windsor-Essex County who are experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis and cannot safely wait for community mental health and addictions support. Services include:
- 24/7 Crisis Line: 519-973-4435
- Crisis Walk-in Services: 24/7
Located at 1030 Ouellette Ave., adjacent to the Goyeau Street entrance of Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette Campus Emergency Department
Website: www.hdgh.org/mhaucc
9-8-8 | 24/7
Canada's 3-digit suicide crisis helpline. Available to provide support if you are thinking about suicide or are concerned about someone else.
Call or text: 9-8-8 (reach a trained crisis responder).
Crisis Text Line | 24/7
Emotional support provided by trained volunteers for anyone living in Canada.
Text CONNECT to 686868 (reach trained volunteer crisis responders)
www.kidshelpphone.ca/need-help-now-text-us/
Hope for Wellness | 24/7
Helpline for Indigenous people across Canada.
Call: 1-855-242-3310
Talk4Healing | 24/7
A culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women is available in 14 languages across Ontario.
Crisis Line: 1-888-200-9997
Help Line: 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)
www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/
Sexual Assault Crisis Line | 24/7
Community-based crisis support for anyone in Windsor-Essex with experiences of recent or past sexual violence.
Call: 519-253-9667
Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre | 24/7
Services are available to all victims regardless of age or gender. The SA/DVTC is easily accessed through the Emergency Departments of Windsor Regional Hospital, Metropolitan and Ouellette Campuses.
Call: (519) 254-5577
Hiatus House | 24/7
Provides emergency shelter in a safe and secure building for women experiencing abuse and their children. Counselling and support is available by phone 24/7.
Call: 519-252-7781
Analogue Press: Windsor Region Events Calendar
Tourism Windsor-Essex Local Event Calendar
www.visitwindsoressex.com/events/
*Having enjoyable activities planned and something to look forward to can help increase hope when life feels overwhelming. These resources do not provide crisis intervention or mental health care. Use recreation and engagement options as a coping strategy, not as a replacement for seeking professional support.
Mental Health Continuum Resources
The Mental Health Continuum model and information featured on this website were adapted from the following resources: