National Mental Health Week is May 4 to 10, 2026, and the Department of Health is encouraging Nunavummiut to take time to learn, talk and connect with friends, family and Elders about mental health and wellness.
This year's theme, “Come Together, Canada: Stronger Connections, Better Mental Health”, calls on Nunavummiut to spark small, everyday actions of compassion, and to recognize the role we all play in supporting mental health through connection to community, to family, and to the land.
The Department of Health encourages everyone to spend time together and take the time to enjoy the sunshine out on the land. Some activities for mental wellness and self-care include going outside for fresh air, drawing, sewing, carving, playing sports, listening to a mindfulness podcast or meditation, stretching, walking your dog, fishing, hunting, berry picking and/or snowmobiling. Together, Nunavummiut can strengthen mental health, build healthier communities, and help more people feel connected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and wellness, always remember that you are not alone. It is OK to ask for help.
For confidential support, you can contact:
Counselling
Healing by Talking Program.
Offers virtual, long-term counselling services to Inuit across the territory.
Visit your local Health Centre for more information, email healing@gov.nu.ca or call toll-free at 1-888-648-0070 or 867-975-5367.
GN Employee/Family Assistance Program.
1-800-663-1142.
Residential School Hope for Wellness Support Program
Offers telephone counselling for residential school survivors and their families. Call toll-free at 1-800-464-8106.
Ilisaqsivik Telephone Counselling
Offers telephone counselling in English and Inuktitut, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call toll-free at 1-888-331-4433.
Help Lines and Online Chat
Canadian Suicide Crisis Help line
Call or text 988 to be directed to a helpline to best suit your needs.
The Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Call 867-979-3333 or toll free at 1-800-265-3333.
Crisis Services Canada.
Call or text 1-833-456-4566.
Online chat available at www.crisisservicescanada.ca.
Youthspace.ca.
Call 1-833-456-4566 - Text 778-783-0177.
Online chat available at www.youthspace.ca.
Email counselling is available by calling toll free at 1-866-478-8357.
Kids Help Phone.
Call 1-800-668-6868.
Live chat available at kidshelpphone.ca.
Text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868 to message with a trained volunteer.
Website for tips
Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqaatigiit Embrace Life Council.
Visit the website www.inuusiq.com for more information, support and tips.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the RCMP, or go to your local health centre or hospital immediately.