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SeniorsBC

Mental Health and Addictions

Good health is a matter of mind as well as body. If you have concerns about your mental health or that of someone you care about, there are many resources available to help in your community.

Some seniors have physical conditions that affect mental functioning, such as brain injuries. Others may have special concerns about depression or anxiety, or be dealing with addictions such as alcohol abuse or compulsive gambling. The Here to Help website offers many resources relating to mental health and addictions.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing a mental health crisis, consider calling a crisis-intervention centre.

Brain Injuries 

The BC Brain Injury Association is dedicated to promoting a better quality of life for those living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), through education, information, prevention, support and advocacy.

To learn more about prevention, visit the BC Brain Injury Association website.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse 

If you are looking for drug and alcohol treatment, detox, self-help and counselling options in your area, contact the B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service. Call 1-800-663-1441 for 24-hour services.

Learn more at the B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service website.

Problem Gambling Helpline 

Individuals of all ages can experience a gambling problem, but counselling services are available throughout the province.

The Problem Gambling Helpline is a free, confidential, 24 hour phone line. Trained specialists can refer callers to counselling. Call 1-888-795-6111.

Visit the B.C. Partnership for Responsible Gambling website for information about warning signs, getting treatment, and more.

Anxiety and Depression 

The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division offers useful resources for people who are affected by mental-health issues, including the Bounce Back program, for people experiencing mental distress. 

"Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health" is a new program designed to help people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety that may arise from stress or other life circumstances.

Bounce Back offers two forms of help. The first is a DVD video providing practical tips on managing mood and healthy living. The second is a guided self-help program with telephone support.

Visit the Bounce Back website to watch a preview of the DVD and learn more about the program.

General Information 

If you are looking for reliable information about mental health and addiction problems, B.C. Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information offer self-tests, toolkits, discussion forums and information about anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, mood disorders and substance-abuse problems. Visit their Here to Help website to learn more about mental-health and addiction issues.

Mental Health Information Line

Call 1-800-661-2121
Vancouver: (604) 669-7600

The Mental Health Information Line provides taped information on provincial mental health programs as well as symptoms, causes, treatment, support groups and publications relating to a number of mental illnesses. This is a 24 hour line.

Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia 

If you are experiencing profound emotional distress, you can call the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to talk to a trained volunteer.

For more information, visit the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia website.