Support Groups & Helplines
Support Groups
Navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but no one has to face them alone. Support groups and helplines provide a lifeline for those seeking understanding, guidance, and a sense of community. This page connects you to resources that can help you on your journey to well-being.
Why Support Groups Matter
Support groups bring together individuals who share similar struggles, creating a safe space to exchange experiences, offer encouragement, and build resilience. These groups can help participants feel less isolated, gain valuable insights, and learn coping strategies from others who truly understand their journey. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other life challenges, support groups are a valuable resource.
The Role of Helplines in Mental Health
Helplines provide immediate assistance for those in crisis or needing emotional support. Trained professionals or volunteers offer a listening ear, practical advice, and information on local resources. These services are often available 24/7, ensuring that help is always within reach. Helplines cater to a wide range of issues, including mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and grief, empowering individuals to take the first step toward recovery.
Types of Support Resources Available
The resources listed on this page encompass various forms of support tailored to individual needs:
- Mental Health Support: For those dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, these groups and helplines offer understanding and coping strategies.
- Addiction Recovery: Specialized support for individuals recovering from substance use or other addictive behaviours.
- Trauma and Abuse Support: Safe spaces for survivors of trauma, domestic violence, or abuse to find comfort and healing.
- Grief and Loss: Resources to help individuals process and navigate the complex emotions of losing a loved one.
- Parenting and Caregiving: Support for parents, caregivers, or individuals navigating unique family challenges.
Benefits of Reaching Out
Taking the step to contact a support group or helpline can be life-changing. These resources provide:
- A non-judgmental space to express your feelings and experiences.
- Practical tools and strategies for managing your emotions and challenges.
- A sense of connection and community, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Access to professional help or further guidance when needed.
Finding the Right Fit
Not every group or helpline may feel like the perfect fit, and that’s okay. It’s important to explore your options and find a resource where you feel comfortable and supported. The links provided on this page connect you to various services designed to meet diverse needs.
Taking the First Step
Reaching out for help is a courageous act and an essential step toward healing and growth. Whether you choose a support group or helpline, you’re making a powerful decision to prioritize your well-being and take control of your mental health.
Let this page be your gateway to the support and connection you deserve. Explore the resources listed and take that first step toward healing, knowing that help is always available when you need it.
Queer Parents Online Support Group
FREE and open to all members of the queer community who are expecting, adopting, and/or parenting babies up to 2 years. This group is intended for gestational, non-gestational and adoptive parents.
Postpartum Psychosis Support Forum
Connect with others affected by Postpartum Psychosis via this online peer support forum.
Online Support Forums for Perinatal PTSD and Birth Trauma
An organization designed for the sole purpose of providing and creating support for women who have experienced childbirth as traumatic. Offers online forums for mothers and caregivers/families.
Perinatal Information and Support
Podcasts, classes, and support for your perinatal experience.
Bipolar Disorder Resources
Education, information, resources and support for Perinatal Bipolar Disorder.
Father Support Groups
A guide to support groups for Dads.
Online Peer Support for Military Moms
Online facilitated peer support group for Military Moms is here to help you connect with other parents, talk about your experience, and learn about helpful tools and resources. Military spouses, active duty personnel and veteran moms are welcome to attend. Trained facilitators are military spouses and understand the unique stress of the military family life.
Online Support for NICU Parents
This online NICU group is intended for parents of babies who are currently or formerly in the NICU. Connecting with others who have experienced the uniquely stressful environment of a NICU will provide parents with understanding, as well as helpful tools and resources. Whether your baby is currently in the NICU or you have finally returned home, our NICU parents support group is here for you.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss for Moms
Online Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support group provides connection for mothers grieving the loss of their baby. Led by PSI trained facilitators, this group helps bereaved mothers find support as well as provides useful information and resources to help them navigate the pain of their loss. Losing a baby can be a lonely experience and this group helps provide an avenue for healing and hope.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss for Parents
Online Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support group provides connection for parents grieving the loss of their baby. Led by PSI trained facilitators, this group helps bereaved mothers find support as well as provides useful information and resources to help them navigate the pain of their loss. Losing a baby can be a lonely experience and this group helps provide an avenue for healing and hope.
Perinatal (Pregnancy and Postpartum) Mood Support Group
Online support group for moms experiencing mood or emotional challenges during the perinatal period (pregnancy and 1 year post birth). This group is here to help you connect with other parents, talk about your experience, and learn about helpful tools and resources. Whether you are going through stress, adjustment to parenting, Baby Blues, pregnancy or postpartum depression/anxiety, this group is here for you
Black Mamas Matter Support Group
This group is for Black mothers who are seeking peer support during the perinatal period up to 2 years postpartum. Our online groups are here to help you connect with other moms, talk about your experience, and learn about helpful tools and resources. Whether you are going through stress, adjustment to parenting, baby blues, or pregnancy or postpartum depression/anxiety, this group is here for you.
Helplines
Perinatal Support Helpline
- Call: 800-944-4PPD
- Text: 503-894-9453
Moms are ordinary people and this is okay!
Mental Health Help Line
Suicide Prevention Line
Highly trained volunteers and professional staff available to help you 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. Your call is confidential.
Chat is available from 3pm – 10:00pm weekdays and from noon-10:00pm on weekends.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Highly trained volunteers and professional staff available to help you 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. Your call is confidential.
Chat is available from 3pm – 10:00pm weekdays and from noon-10:00pm on weekends.
Perinatal Support Helpline
Call: 800-944-4PPD
Text: 503-894-9453
Mental Health Help Line
1-877-303-2642
24 hour, 7 day a week confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
Suicide Prevention Line
1-800-784-2433
Highly trained volunteers and professional staff available to help you 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. Your call is confidential.
Chat is available from 3pm – 10:00pm weekdays and from noon-10:00pm on weekends.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
1-855-242-3310
Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
