Depression is a liar because it warps your perception of reality.
It twists your thoughts, making you believe things that aren’t true, even though they feel real. Here are 5 of the biggest lies depression tells—and the truth behind them: Depression makes it seem like the pain will last forever, like you’re stuck in a tunnel with no exit. And you start to believe that there’s no point in trying. Depression distorts reality when it tells you that your problems aren’t “bad enough” or that you should handle them alone. That you should be ashamed for having feelings and you have to hide them.
FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.co…
Check out my podcast, Therapy in a Nutshell: https://tinpodcast.podbean.com/
Join Therapy in a Nutshell’s membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.co… You’ll get instant access to all 10 life-changing courses, live weekly Q&As, and a supportive community for just $27/month. Learn how to manage anxiety, process trauma, regulate emotions, and build lasting resilience so that you can live a deeply rich and meaningful life!
If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 988 or your local emergency services.
National Helplines and Crisis Support
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: A 24/7 confidential service for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 anywhere in Canada.
- Kids Help Phone: Free, 24/7 support for youth aged 5–29 via phone (1-800-668-6868) or text (CONNECT to 686868), including chat and resources for mental health concerns.
Government and National Organizations
- Government of Canada – Mental Health and Wellness: Official portal with information on services, suicide prevention, coping strategies, and support for specific groups like Indigenous peoples and veterans. Visit: canada.ca/en/public-health/topics/mental-health-wellness.html
- Government of Canada – Get Help for Mental Health: Directory of crisis lines, apps, and tailored support (e.g., for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, newcomers). Visit: canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html
- Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC): National leader in mental health promotion, with fact sheets, guides for all ages, and resources on stigma reduction and recovery. Visit: mentalhealthcommission.ca | Public resources page: mentalhealthcommission.ca/public-resources
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Nationwide network with local branches offering education, peer support, and resources on topics like grief, PTSD, and loneliness. Visit: cmha.ca | General info: cmha.ca/find-info/mental-health/general-info
Specialized Services
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital, providing clinical care, research, and online tools for addiction and mental illness. Visit: camh.ca
For province-specific resources (e.g., BC Mental Health Support Line or Ontario’s ConnexOntario), check the Government of Canada’s directory above or search your province’s health ministry site. These resources are free and confidential—reach out anytime.
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: 24/7 confidential support for all Indigenous peoples, offered by culturally competent counselors using trauma-informed approaches. Discuss distress, challenges, or connect to local wellness resources. Call toll-free: 1-855-242-3310 (English/French; Cree, Ojibway/Anishinaabemowin, and Inuktitut available upon request, though not 24/7). Online chat: hopeforwellness.ca.
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 24/7 emotional, crisis, and cultural support for former Indian Residential School students, their families, and anyone affected by the legacy of residential schools. Call toll-free: 1-866-925-4419.
Support for Children and Youth
- Jordan’s Principle: Ensures First Nations children (on or off reserve) get immediate access to mental health services without delay or denial due to jurisdictional disputes. Covers counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, and related supports. For urgent requests (e.g., suicide risk), call the 24/7 Call Centre: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) or TTY: 1-866-553-0554. Submit non-urgent requests online or via regional coordinators at sac-isc.gc.ca.
- We Matter Campaign: Indigenous youth-led initiative promoting mental health, hope, and life-affirming resources through videos, stories, and connections to supports. Visit: wemattercampaign.org.
- Kids Help Phone: 24/7 e-mental health service with Indigenous-specific resources and counselors trained in cultural safety. For youth 5–29: Call 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868 (English) or PARLER to 686868 (French), or chat online at kidshelpphone.ca.
Organizations and Community Supports
- National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC): Network of 100+ urban and northern centres offering holistic mental health programs, Elder support, kinship care, and referrals. Many provide culturally relevant counseling and crisis response. Find your local centre: nafc.ca/friendship-centres/find-a-friendship-centre.
- Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Health & Wellness: Resources on mental health promotion, addiction recovery, and community-based programs addressing disproportionate impacts on Indigenous peoples. Includes toolkits for suicide prevention and trauma healing. Visit: afn.ca/community-services/health-wellness.
- Mental Health Counselling Benefits for First Nations and Inuit: Non-insured health benefits covering short-term counseling from registered providers. Eligible individuals can access up to 10 sessions per benefit year. Learn more and find providers: sac-isc.gc.ca.
Government Portals
- Indigenous Services Canada – Mental Health: Comprehensive directory of programs like suicide prevention, substance use treatment, and expanded trauma-informed cultural supports for all Indigenous peoples. Includes resources for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Visit: sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1576088923626/1576088963494.
- Government of Canada – Mental Health Get Help: Tailored section for Indigenous communities with links to culturally appropriate services, apps, and provincial resources. Visit: canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html.
For province/territory-specific options (e.g., KUU-US Crisis Line in BC: 1-800-588-8717), check the portals above or your local health authority. These services are free, confidential, and prioritize cultural safety—reach out when you’re ready. If you need supports in a specific region or for a particular group, let me know for more targeted info.
