988 Suicide crisis helpline answers one million reach outs

Suicide Prevention Hotline responder Britteny Kueneman talks to CTV New/Barrie anchor Sarah Freemark about the 988 hotline.

Grief support workers sometimes liken the effects of suicide to those of an explosion; not only does it take the life of the person at the centre, but those near to them are also hit with the devastation of the loss of life.

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), on average, 12 people die by suicide every day in Canada.

In 2023 the federal government launched 988, a suicide crisis helpline. A number of people can call or text when they are thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know.

On Wednesday, CAMH announced that 988 had answered more than 1 million calls and texts for help since the helpline’s inception.

Britteny Kueneman is a 988 responder based out of Innisfil, who says the demand for crisis support is “huge”.

“A lot of the resources are just so overwhelmed right now, or they’re not equally accessible to everybody,” Kueneman said in an interview with CTV News.

“Being on the other end, my role is to provide a safe space for people to come in and open up and share what they’re walking through, listen without judgement and just be present in that experience with them,” she said.

“Sometimes that can be providing some support, or even safety,” she said.

Every interaction is different, according to Kueneman. She adds that her interactions vary from just offering a listening ear to safety planning for someone experiencing a “difficult night”.

“It’s rewarding sometimes at the end to know that you were just able to be on the other end of that phone, but really that goes to the caller that’s reaching out and had the strength to make that call,” Kueneman said.

Kueneman said people often hesitate to reach out, feeling undeserving of help, a mindset she hopes to see change in people.

“Whatever you’re walking through, you deserve to connect to somebody, be heard and be validated in what you’re experiencing, your emotions and your feelings,” Kueneman said.

“You’re worthy, no matter who you are or where you are,” she said.

Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with mental illness, here are some resources that are available.

Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988 or visit 988.ca)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338)

Kids Help Phone [phone])

If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.