You cannot pour from an empty cup. The best connectors know their limits — and respect them.
You are allowed to say "I don't know" and find out later.
You are allowed to set limits on your time and energy.
You are allowed to refer someone to a professional.
You are allowed to take a break.
You are allowed to not have all the answers.
You are allowed to ask for help yourself.
If someone is in crisis, your job is to listen briefly and then connect them to the right support. You do not need to fix it.
You can be warm and caring without taking on someone else's problems as your own.
Set clear times when you are available. It is okay to say: "I'm not available right now, but let's talk tomorrow."
Follow these 3 steps:
Listen without judgment. Say: "I hear you. That sounds really hard."
Ask directly: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" (It is safe to ask — it does not plant the idea.)
Connect them to support. Use the numbers below. You do not have to handle this alone.
Crisis Services Canada
1-833-456-4566
24/7 crisis line
BC Crisis Line
1-800-784-2433
24/7 — BC residents
211 BC
2-1-1
Community services and referrals
Distress Centre
604-872-3311
Vancouver area
Thank you for what you do.
The work you are doing — showing up, knocking on doors, making connections — is genuinely changing lives. It matters more than you know.