Visions Journal

Finding safety, support and hope 

Mark Sheehan, MSC

Reprinted from the The Vibes Are Off: Young People, Anxiety and Depression issue of Visions Journal, 2025, 21 (1), pp. 33-35

I began my journey with the Crisis Centre of BC as a volunteer crisis service responder. Like many others who step into this work, I was drawn by a desire to be present for people during difficult moments. What stood out to me early on was how young those reaching out often were.

Sometimes it was about stress at school or a family conflict. Other times, it was something deeper: feelings of isolation, anxiety or thoughts of suicide. These conversations stayed with me and now help to shape the direction of our youth crisis and suicide prevention programs.

Today, as Director of the Centre’s Community Learning and Engagement program, I continue to see the impact that stress and disconnection have on youth. The need for accessible, youth-friendly mental health support has only grown. According to the 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey, 63% of youth reported experiencing despair, and 18% said they had seriously considered suicide in the past year.¹ Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for youth aged 15–24 in Canada.²

In the face of these numbers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But I’ve learned that small moments of support can make a huge difference. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to help. Showing care, staying present and connecting with a young person can make all the difference.

Recognizing a crisis

A mental health crisis doesn't always look the way we expect. Sometimes, it shows up as intense sadness, anger or hopelessness. Other times, it’s more subtle, like a young person who: 

• Pulls away from friends 
• Loses interest in activities they once loved 
• Suddenly struggles at school 
• Takes more risks 
• Talks about feeling like a burden

Even vague comments like, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” or “No one would miss me” should be taken seriously. For some youth, a crisis builds over time; for others, it happens quickly in response to things like bullying, trauma, relationship stress or grief. What’s most important is to trust your gut. If something feels off, even if they say they’re OK, it’s always worth checking in.

How to respond

One of the most powerful things you can do is to be present and non-judgmental. You don’t need to have all the answers. 

Start by creating a private, calm and supportive space. Let the young person share at their own pace. Use open questions like, “What’s been hard for you lately?” or “How have you been feeling inside?” Avoid dismissing or minimizing their feelings. Statements like “You’re just stressed” or “It will pass” can make a young person feel unheard. 

Instead, reassure them by saying, “I’m here for you” or “Thank you for trusting me.” Avoid trying to fix it right away or offering quick solutions. Instead, focus on making the young person feel heard and supported. Don’t dismiss or downplay their pain.

Reaching out for help

If a young person shares that they are in crisis or thinking about suicide or self-harm, it’s important to stay calm and present. Most of the time, you don’t need to involve emergency services right away. Instead, you can help by inviting them to connect with immediate, youth-friendly supports. 

Accompanying this article is a list of services that are free, available 24/7 and can help youth and their supporters talk through the situation, assess safety and make a plan. Trained crisis workers can also help determine whether additional steps, such as involving a caregiver or other trusted adult, are needed.

When emergency help is needed

Call 911 or go to the hospital if the young person has already taken steps to harm themselves, is at immediate risk of suicide or if you cannot ensure their safety. For most situations, a crisis line or youth-specific service is the best first step. These services are less intimidating and the support is tailored to youth.

What comes after the crisis?

Crisis support is just one piece. Youth also need ongoing opportunities to build resilience, connection and coping skills. At the Crisis Centre of BC, we offer two school-based workshops for young people, called Self-Care For Mental Health and It’s Okay to NOT be OK.³ 

We also offer crisis and suicide awareness and prevention training for adults who support youth. Research shows that when youth feel more hopeful, connected and emotionally regulated, their risk of suicide drops significantly.⁴ Programs that build emotional literacy, reduce shame and provide real tools for managing distress are key to preventing mental health crises and suicide before they happen.

Hope is contagious

You don’t need to be a counsellor to support a young person in crisis. A text, a check-in, a pause to listen—these moments matter. They let youth know they’re not alone. They open doors to healing and support. If you’re a parent, teacher, peer or just someone who cares, your role is essential. Together, we can create communities where youth feel seen, heard and safe enough to ask for help when they need it.
Learn more about youth programs and resources at: crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-support/programs-for-youth.