Le Passeport pour la vie est produit par le Centre de prévention du suicide de Lanaudière.

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Please note that the Lanaudiere suicide prevention center does not offer any English intervention services. For all English requests you can contact the Montreal suicide prevention center at 514 723-4000.

The support of friends and family is the best protective factor in suicide prevention. Most people with suicidal thoughs manage to overcome a crisis with the help of their loved ones.

You’d like to help a loved one, but you have concerns? That’s normal! Passport for Life contains essential information to help you provide support to a loved one who’s having suicidal thoughts. If you don’t find everything you need in there, don’t hesitate to contact the suicide prevention centre for your region for additional support.

All suicide prevention centres in Québec have a local suicide prevention helpline and many are also agents of the province-wide suicide prevention hotline 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553), available 24/7. To contact the centre for your region or to find out about the services it offers to the community, visit  www.rcpsq.org/les-cps.

If you’d like a paper copy of Passport for Life, contact the Centre de prévention du suicide de Lanaudière.

Why ask this question?

It’s the most direct way to find out if they’re thinking about suicide.

How do I broach the topic?

A direct question is the best way to get a clear answer. For example, you could say:

“I’ve noticed that you haven’t been doing well for some time and I’m worried about you. Do you think about suicide?”

If the answer is yes, it’s essentiel to find out if the person has a plan. Ask them these questions:

  • “Have you thought about how you would do it?”
  • “Do you know where you would do it?”
  • “Do you know when?”

If the person knows when and how they plan to commit suicide, avoid leaving them alone and make sure they don’t have the means to carry out their plan.

For example:

  • Ask the pharmacist to limit their access to medications.
  • Install a trigger lock on firearms to make them temporarily unusable. If you have questions about , contact a representative of the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.

Are you finding it hard to take action?

Talk to someone you know who can support you

Why do this?

It’s possible that the person thinks they’re worthless or a burden to their loved ones. Showing them that they’re important to you and the people they love (their children, for example) can help them change their self-perception and encourage them to persevere.

How can you show them?

Through small caring gestures and by telling them what you appreciate about them.

You could say:

  • “I want you to stay alive.”
  • “I like spending time with you.”
  • “I’m here for you.”
  • “I’d worry less if you’d tell me how you’re doing and ask for my help.”

Why talk about this?

A person with suicidal thoughs no longer knows why or for whom they should stay alive.

How do I go about this?

By asking them what their qualities are (patience, perseverance, honesty, etc.), their values (work, family, etc.) and their reasons for living (their children, pets, work, plans, etc.). Their answers may surprise you, but they must not be trivialized.

What you could say:

  • “What makes you happy when you’re with your children?”
  • “ Tell me about your passions.”

The person may insist that they have no reason to live. Contact the Centre de prévention du suicide de Lanaudière for support, by calling 1 866 APPELLE (1-866-277-3553) or 450-759-6116.

Why set limits?

This will help you support the person while they need your help.

How do I create winning conditions?

  • Figure out how much help you can give and respect your limits.
  • Give yourself time to rest and think about other things.
  • Get help from the people around you.

What you could say:

  • “I can take ___ calls each day, between ___ and ___.”
  • “When I’m not available, who can you contact? »
    It could be a frien or calling
    1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553).

Why choose this resource?

1 866 APPELLE (1-866-277-3553) is the province-wide suicide prevention hotline.* Calls are automatically forwarded to the 24/7 suicide crisis intervention service for your region. The Centre de prévention du suicide de Lanaudière’s mandate is to respond to calls for the Lanaudière region. The counsellors who take the calls are specialized in suicide prevention.

How are these calls usually handled?

The suicide prevention worker will collect information on your loved one so that they can identify the elements of danger as well as protective factors  and give you advice adapted to your situation.

Why call emergency services?

This may be the best option to ensure the safety of the person with suicidal thoughs.

Some questions and concerns you may have before making this call:

Stay calm and take the time to clearly explain everything you know about the situation

If you’re not comfortable calling 911, contact 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553). A counsellor will answer your questions and help you through this process.

Why remain vigilant?

The person may be fragile for some time after their suicide attempt.

What should you do?

  • Ask them what kind of help they would like to have.
  • Establish a plan to help keep them safe until they’re feeling better or if their suicidal thoughts return.

What you could say:

  • “Are you still thinking about suicide?”
  • “I’d like to help you. What would you like me to do?”

Now that you’ve read the Passport for life, please look at the Action plan on the next page to see where you’re at. It will help guide you in supporting your loved one.

Don’t hesitate to call 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553) for immediate support.

1. I asked the person: “Are you thinking
about suicide?”

Yes    No

2. I told them: “You’re important to me and I want you to stay alive. »

Yes    No

3. I’ve talked to them about their reasons for living.

Yes    No

4. I’ve told them what I’m ready to do to help them.

Yes    No

5. I’ve called  1 866 APPELLE to find out if the person is in danger or to get support.

Yes    No

6. I know when to call 911 to keep the person safe. 

Yes    No

7. I know how to act with the person after a suicide attempt.

Yes    No

© 2026 Centre de prévention du suicide de Lanaudière. All rights reserved.
Legal deposit – Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 2026.
The modification, downloading, publication, reproduction on another website, the distribution on the Internet or the commercial or public use of this tool are strictly prohibited without prior written consent from the organization.
This tool was produced with the financial support of La vie en spectacle and Courons ensemble pour la vie, two projects developed by Alexandra Gélinas.

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CONTACTER LE CENTRE DE PRÉVENTION DU SUICIDE DE LANAUDIÈRE

Ligne d’intervention 24/7 – 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
Adresse : C. P. 39 Joliette (Québec) J6E 3Z3
Pour connaître les coordonnées des différents centres de prévention du suicide du Québec, consulter le www.rcpsq.org/bottin

It is normal not to always know how to respond. Suicide prevention centres provide support services for family members, friends, and others affected by a loved one’s suicide attempt.

For immediate assistance, contact the suicide prevention centre in your region through 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553). 

Some suicide prevention centres are not affiliated with this helpline. Consult the Regroupement des centres de prévention du suicide du Québec resource directory to contact your regional centre directly.

Did you know that there is an exceptional legal measure designed to protect someone who is at immediate risk of acting on suicidal thoughts and refuses assistance?

This is the Act Respecting the Protection of Persons Whose Mental State Presents a Danger to Themselves or Others (Chapter P-38.001), commonly known as Law P-38. This is a complex piece of legislation. For more information, visit the Éducaloi website.

Talking about suicide doesn’t give someone the idea of ending their life. Because the answer may be painful, it can be difficult to ask a loved one whether they are thinking about dying. Bringing up the subject allows you to know for certain and to take the necessary steps quickly to help the person. Being asked directly whether they are thinking about suicide may also reassure them and help them realize that someone cares about their well-being.

Knowing the method the person has chosen makes it possible to restrict access to it until the crisis has passed, thereby reducing the risk of a suicide attempt. By preventing access to the chosen method, you reduce the likelihood of an attempt and increase the chances that the person will seek help. Whenever possible, access to the method should be restricted with the person’s cooperation. Contributing to their own safety can increase their sense of competence and self-esteem. 

It can be difficult, or even impossible, to remove every dangerous object from a person’s environment. The goal is to make access more difficult during periods when the risk is highest in order to gain time and helping to prevent a suicide attempt.

To help reduce risks related to firearms, we recommend consulting information provided by the Sûreté du Québec, available here.

You can always provide the person in distress with the phone number for Quebec’s suicide prevention helpline, 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553), or call together with them. It is also strongly recommended that this number be saved in their phone so it can be accessed quickly if needed. At any time, anywhere in Quebec, a professional trained in suicide prevention best practices can provide support both to the person thinking about suicide and to those around them. This helps ensure that the person has access to help if you find it difficult to support them on your own.

People experiencing suicidal thoughts often mistakenly believe that their death would be a relief to others. Many avoid talking about their distress with loved ones because they do not want to worry them « for no reason » or because they do not want to be a burden. Yet having a strong support network and feeling supported by loved ones can help people face difficult situations. In some cases, individuals thinking about suicide seek professional help only after loved ones have gently and compassionately encouraged them to do so. Reassuring the person that they matter to you can make all the difference.

You could say:

« Thanks to you, I was able to accomplish this or learn that. »
« I don’t want you to kill yourself. »
« I want you to talk to me when you’re struggling. »
« I want to help you get the support you need. »

Reasons for living are an important protective factor in suicide prevention. People experiencing suicidal thoughts often lose sight of why they should continue living. With support, they can gradually reconnect with the things that keep them going.

By asking them what their qualities are (patience, perseverance, honesty, etc.), their values (work, family, etc.) and their reasons for living (their children, pets, work, plans, etc.). Their answers may surprise you, but they must not be trivialized.

What you could say:

  • “What makes you happy when you’re with your children?”
  • “ Tell me about your passions.”

If the person is unable to identify any reasons for living, this is an important warning sign. It would be advisable to contact a resource such as the Centre de prevention du suicide de Lanaudière.

Supporting someone who is thinking about suicide can also cause distress for those providing support. It is important to remain aware of your own well-being and take care of yourself if this happens.

You could also say:

  • “I can help you on Saturday morning to take steps to meet with a psychologist.”
  • “Early Tuesday I’ll be available to help you make calls or prepare meals.”

Available at all times, 1-866-APPELLE helpline is for people of all ages who are thinking about suicide, their loved ones, people bereaved by suicide, and professionals dealing with suicide-related concerns. Do not hesitate to share this number with someone you are worried about and let them know they can call at any time.

Some suicide prevention centres are not affiliated with this provincial helpline. You can easily find the contact information for the suicide prevention centre in your region by consulting the resources directory of the Regroupement des centres de prevention du suicide du Québec. You may contact your local centre to learn more about the services available in your area. Some organizations listed in the directory offer crisis housing services. CLSCs and hospitals also provide emergency services.

Here are some examples of questions a suicide prevention worker may ask:

• Has the person you are concerned about ever attempted suicide?
• Are they sleeping well? Eating well?
• Are they using drugs or alcohol?
• Do they tend to act impulsively?

The counsellor will help you find the right words and may suggest organizations that can support you. They will review what has already been done and explore what additional steps could be taken. They may also suggest speaking directly with the person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

No one likes to consider this option, but it is important to remember that many actions can be taken before reaching this point. Although it is relatively uncommon, there are situations in which contacting emergency services by calling 911 is the best course of action. When a person has already engaged in suicidal behaviour or is clearly about to do so, emergency responders are often best equipped to ensure their safety.

When speaking with emergency services, you may mention:
  • The method the person intends to use and how accessible it is.
  • The location where the person plans to die by suicide and where they are currently located.

If needed, suicide prevention centres offer support services to the loved ones of a person who has made a suicide attempt. For immediate assistance, contact the suicide prevention centre in your region through 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553). 

Some suicide prevention centres are not affiliated with this helpline. Consult the Regroupement des centres de prévention du suicide du Québec resource directory to contact your regional centre directly.

A suicidal crisis may last for some time and can recur on multiple occasions. When this happens, people supporting a loved one may experience discouragement and become less motivated to continue helping.

Before giving up and leaving the person to cope alone, it is important to seek support. The suicide prevention centre in your region can provide assistance to loved ones in your situation. If the person is living with a mental health condition, organizations that are members of CAP Santé mentale may also be able to support you.

Having made a previous suicide attempt is one of the most significant risk factors for death by suicide. Nearly one-quarter of people who die by suicide have made an attempt within the year preceding their death.

It is important to involve the person who made the suicide attempt in developing a plan to help keep them safe. As they prepare to leave the hospital, you might ask:

• How do you feel about returning home?
• What could I do to help you stay safe, while still respecting my own limits?
• What are you willing to do to support your recovery?

This last question is the most important.

You now have a clearer understanding of the situation and can begin considering what actions to take. To help determine the best next steps, you can call 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553) at any time.

If you find it too difficult to bring up the subject yourself, reach out to someone close to the person who may be able to do so, or suggest that the person you are concerned about call 1 866 APPELLE (1 866-277-3553) together with you.

Well done! This conversation likely had a meaningful impact. Continue to show the person that they matter to you through your words and actions, no matter how small they may seem.

Contrary to what many people believe, expressing through simple words or actions how important someone is to us can have a significant impact.

That’s excellent! Talking with the person about their reasons for living can help foster hope. If they say they have none, contact 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553) for support.

This is definitely an approach worth trying; the results can sometimes be surprising.

Well done! It takes a great deal of courage to establish personal boundaries, especially with someone close to you who is thinking about suicide.

The first step may be to reflect on your own limits so that you can preserve your well-being and continue offering support throughout this difficult period.

The 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553) suicide prevention helpline is also available to family members, friends, and others who are supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Do not hesitate to reach out.

You can always call again for additional support. When appropriate, the Centre de prévention du suicide de Lanaudière may offer to meet with a small group of loved ones who are concerned about the same person.

Well done! Deciding to contact emergency services is not always easy.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether the time has come to call 911.  Do not hesitate to contact the Centre de prevention du suicide de Lanaudière, or the centre in your region, through 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)  for guidance in making that decision.

Some suicide prevention centres are not affiliated with this helpline. Consult the directory of resources maintained by the Regroupement des centres de prevention du suicide du Québec . to contact the centre in your region directly

Sometimes, fear of making things worse or damaging a relationship of trust can prevent us from taking action and may even leave us feeling paralyzed. By offering support to someone who is thinking about suicide, you show them your commitment and desire to help. However, your fears may also be a sign that you need to proceed with caution. To do so, do not act alone. Seek guidance from a trusted person or a suicide prevention worker.