SOS crisis line: a beacon of hope in the community

If you need help, please call the Some Other Solutions 24/7 Crisis Line: 780-743-4357 (HELP). If you are contemplating suicide or know someone that is, call 911 immediately.

The SOS Crisis Line is an important part of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo community. 

This locally run line is part of our mission to serve families and individuals of our community, a component of our holistic approach to mental health and wellness in the community. 

We are here to help people overcome crisis and trauma, enabling people to re-establish positive relationships and a sense of connectedness within the community. That work often starts with the Crisis Line.

A proven need 

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in any given year one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

An SOS survey in 2020 showed that 75 percent of respondents indicated they wanted the Crisis Line to remain, despite other provincial resources being available. People indicated they were more comfortable with community-based support than provincial options.

And we continue to see people using this resource; the Crisis Line receives approximately 100 calls a month.

Why it matters

The Crisis Line is confidential.

Anyone feeling uncomfortable talking about their struggles with family or friends can discuss them privately, with someone who just wants to listen — judgement free.

The CMHA says the stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses create barriers to people getting the help they need. Tools such as the Crisis Line help ensure people feel comfortable coming forward.

The Crisis Line is a place to reach out, talk and get help. In many cases, it is the start of a journey to manage a mental illness better or improve your mental health. From a Crisis Line call, our team can directly connect someone with a counselling appointment and ensure when they finish the call, the person feels supported and ready to take the next step.

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. The CMHA says by age 40, about 50 percent of the population will have or have had a mental illness. Just imagine half of those over 40 in the Fort McMurray area having mental health issues at one point or another. Those numbers rise if the proper supports are not in place in our community. It’s because of staggering statistics like that it is essential to have a locally based resource.

You are not alone.

If you need help, please call the Some Other Solutions 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-780-743-4357 (HELP).

If you are contemplating suicide or know someone that is, call 911 immediately.