Suicide Prevention Week in Québec
Finding help for you and your loved ones
February 2 to 8
Three Quebecers die by suicide every day according to data from the 
Association québécoise de prévention du suicide. This could be your parent, your sibling, or someone you work with.
You can get professional, confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Suicide Prevention Centre of Montreal – Telephone: 1 866-CALL (277-3553); text: 535353
- Suicide.ca – Talk to a counsellor, get information and tools, whether you’re thinking about suicide, worried about someone else, or grieving.
- Tracom crisis intervention centre – Telephone: 514 483-3033. Counselling, temporary housing and short-term crisis follow-up for people aged 18 and over.
Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 6 to 12
Mental Illness Awareness Week in Canada runs from October 6 to 12. The purpose of this national campaign is to inform Canadians about mental illness, improve people’s understanding of it and combat prejudice.
Source: Mental Illness Awareness Week: Youth mental health in the spotlight – Statistics Canada
World Mental Health Day
October 10 each year
On October 10 of each year, through a variety of local activities, seminars and symposia with major partners around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the importance of taking care of mental health—our own and that of our family and friends. World Mental Health Day is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness around the various aspects of this issue.
For more details, visit the WHO website.
Kindness Week
Did you know that in Canada, the third week of February is “Kindness Week”?
There’s even an Act. The bill was enacted on June 3, 2021, making Canada the first country in the world to pass such legislation. The purpose of this week is to improve the health and well-being of Canadians by encouraging “acts of kindness, volunteering, and charitable giving.”
There are many Canadians and charities in need of support, and there are valuable ways to help beyond opening pocketbooks:
- Lend a helping hand. We all have skills that can support others. A neighbour may need help with a yard chore, or perhaps we can lean into a hobby in order to donate something handmade.
- Volunteer your time. Community organizations need volunteers to ensure they can offer their services.
- Share what you have. Donating quality clothing or household items no longer being used is a great way to support others.
- Support a work event or cause. There are ways to support the Defence Team and show initiative, from participating in the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign, to planning a social or learning event for your unit/team.
- Show compassion for yourself and others. Thinking of others’ well-being and happiness starts with taking care of ourselves. Exercise self-care so that you can be there for others.
- Just smile. Smiles can be contagious and elevate the mood; you never know who needs one.