Youth Hotlines

Life can throw some pretty unexpected challenges our way, and when things get tough, it is easy to feel overwhelmed—like everything’s happening around you, but no one really sees how you’re feeling. Sometimes, it feels like you’re carrying a lot on your shoulders, and it is hard to know who to talk to. You’re not alone in feeling this way—it is totally ok. 

That’s why we’ve created this page to share some important resources: hotline service, support groups, and self-care tips specifically for siblings like you. It’s there whenever you need to talk, vent, or even just say, “Today was hard.” It’s okay to feel all the feels, and sometimes talking about it can make things a bit lighter. So if it ever gets too much, pick up the phone and reach out—you’ve got this!

Reach Out Centre for Kids

ROCK’s 24/7 Crisis Line

  • ROCK’s 24/7 Crisis Line provides immediate support for children and youth, their parents/caregivers, and community members. If you need support and want to talk to a mental health professional immediately, this service is right for you. 
  • Call 905-878-9785. You will then be connected with a Crisis Counselor as soon as possible.

One Stop Talk

One Stop Talk

  • One Stop Talk is a free service that immediately connects you to a professional therapist (no need for an appointment) from the network of community-based child, youth and family mental health agencies across Ontario. 
  • It is not a crisis line. Instead, it provides you with one hour of professional therapy at no cost to work through your current issue or problem. If you’re 17 and under, you can instantly connect with a therapist and develop a plan together to move forward and feel better. 
  • The One Stop Talk chat is available in English and French.  If neither of these is your preferred language, you can also request an interpreter before connecting with our therapists.

Sibling Society Support Group

  • Mental health affects us all, especially when your brother or sister is facing illness. Whether they’ve been diagnosed with a serious condition or you’re just feeling the weight of being the “healthy sibling”, we know how overwhelming it can be. Every sibling has their own unique story to tell, and your feelings deserve a place to be heard.
  • That’s why we’ve created a Facebook support group specifically for siblings like you. It is a space where you can share openly, connect with others who get what you’re going through, and find support when you need it most. Whether you want to vent, ask for advice, or just talk about how you’re feeling, this community is here for you. You’re not alone in this—every sibling has something valuable to share, and together, we can make the journey a little easier. 

Outro

Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed when life gets heavy, especially when you’re navigating something as tough as a sibling’s illness. You don’t have to carry all that weight by yourself. There are resources, like the ones we’ve shared here, that are designed to help you cope, find support, and know that your feelings matter too.

Whether you decide to reach out to a hotline, connect with a professional therapist, or join our Sibling Society Facebook group, there’s always someone ready to listen. It’s not easy, but taking that first step towards support can make a world of difference. So whenever things feel like too much, know that you’re not alone—and you’ve got the strength and support to get through it.