Helplines in Canada.

Battling to come to grips with a physical illness? Get support from a free hotline in Canada

A chronic, life-altering, or life-threatening diagnosis can come as a shock. The effects of physical illness may make it hard to maintain a positive mental, emotional and spiritual outlook. There are counselors and volunteers at 1 helplines in Canada who you can confide in when you feel:

• Afraid of what the future holds, including the pain you may feel, disabilities or death.
• Worried about how you’ll look after your family when you are sick, you lose your job, or become disabled.
• Anxiety, tension, fear, sadness and helplessness about your condition and what the future holds.
• Afraid about the uncertainty of life and the pain you may feel from your symptoms.
• Isolated from friends and family due to the physical and mental effects of your condition.
• Fear that you'll be defined by your medical condition, instead of who you really are.
• That your medical condition is having a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
• Fear of future physical discomfort, pain, changes to your routine, and possibly death.

Physical illness can disrupt your sleep patterns, family life, social life, work life, and your ability to function as normal. Medication, pain and exhaustion can make it difficult to think straight or process your feelings. A bad diagnosis can feel devastating.

Facing the challenges of physical illness requires strength that can sometimes only come through support. There are volunteers and counselors in Canada who are waiting to hear your concerns and help you find the emotional strength and resilience within you. Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak – it shows that you are human.