1. Emergency
If a child, a youth or someone in your care is having a mental health or substance use crisis, for example:
- threatens or attempts to harm oneself or others
- had an alcohol or substance overdose which could be life-threatening
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately OR visit the local hospital Emergency Services.
- Local Hospital Emergency Services
- BC Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Services
- Crisis and Suicide Prevention Phone Lines
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Crisis Response
2. Non-Emergency
When there is a change in behaviour, mood, school performance, personal hygiene or social relationships which:
- is unusual or disruptive
- is not age-appropriate
- is much more dramatic than others that age
- continues for longer than usual
- or your child no longer seems to enjoy or participate in things they once did
Their behaviours could indicate a problem that needs to be looked into.
Some examples:
- sleep problems
- loses appetite or refuses to eat
- feels unhappy for a long period of time
- mood swings
- anxious or refuses to go to school
- the school has noticed the child has increased difficulties that need attention
- the changes do not go away and interfere with the child’s progress and development
If you are noticing any of these signs, here are some options to consider: