Professional Development

Arrow

Standard Forms

Arrow

Advocacy

Arrow

REALTORS®

Arrow

Managing Brokers

Arrow

BCREA

Arrow

Search our toolkits

Standard Forms Toolkits are interactive training guides.

REALTOR® Wellness

Introducing a dedicated space focused on supporting the overall well-being of those in real estate, both professionally and personally.

Your Health, Your Well-Being

While real estate is rewarding, it can also involve high demands, a fast pace, and unpredictability. This space is designed to house practical, credible, and relevant resources that reflect the realities of working in real estate.

Much like the evolving real estate landscape, this page will continually grow with updated resources and information. We encourage you to explore and return regularly for new content.

The information provided on this page is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, psychological, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.

If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional.

Mental Health Emergencies: Knowing Where to Turn in BC

In real estate, REALTORS® often work under pressure while alongside clients or colleagues who, at times, may be experiencing intense stress, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis. Knowing what supports are available in British Columbia can make a critical difference in the moment.

A mental health crisis can look different for everyone. It may include feelings of severe overwhelm or panic, thoughts of self-harm, or behaviour that raises immediate safety concerns. While REALTORS® are not expected to act as counsellors, having clear information about emergency resources can help you respond appropriately and compassionately.

If you’re concerned about your own well-being or the well-being of a colleague or client, help is available 24 / 7 in BC.

If someone discloses distress, listen without judgement, encourage professional support, and share these resources. You don’t need to have the right words; helping someone connect to support is often the most important step. Having the numbers below readily available is part of creating a safer, more supportive professional community.

There Is Immediate Danger

If you believe someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, call 9-1-1 right away or go to the nearest emergency department. Safety always comes first.

24 / 7 Crisis and Mental Health Support in BC

The following services are available province-wide and can be shared with colleagues or clients when urgent support is needed:

911

Responds to life- or property-threatening emergencies.

BC Suicide Prevention & Intervention Line

Call 1.800.784.2433 (1.800.SUICIDE) for confidential crisis support, 24 / 7.

Indigenous-Specific Crisis Support (KUU-US Crisis Line)

Call 1.800.588.8717 for culturally safe, Indigenous-led crisis support across BC, 24 / 7.

kuu-uscrisisline.com

988: Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada-wide)

Call or text 988 to connect with a trained responder in English or French, 24 / 7.

988.ca

BC Mental Health Support Line

Call 310.6789 (no area code required) for immediate emotional support, information, and referrals anywhere in BC. Available 24 / 7.

crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-support/crisis-lines/

Northern BC 24-hour Crisis Line

Call: 1.888.562.1214

Available 24 / 7

Non-Emergency Resources

If you want to learn more about mental health, substance use, and addiction services available in your area, the Government of BC’s HelpStartsHere webpage is one place to start.

211

Connects individuals to non-emergency community programs and social services in their areas.

bc.211.ca/

811

Connects to healthcare workers who can provide health advice and information.

healthlinkbc.ca/more/contact-us/8-1-1

311

Connects to non-emergency municipal services, programs, and information.

Note: this is not available in all communities.

Mental Health First Aid

If you would like to feel better prepared to recognize and support someone experiencing a mental health challenge, there are several resources and training programs available. One such resource is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

MHFA is an evidence-based training program that teaches people how to recognize the signs of declining mental well-being or a mental health crisis, respond with empathy and confidence, and guide someone toward appropriate professional support. Similar to physical first aid, MHFA is not about diagnosis or treatment. It focuses on providing initial help until further support is available or the situation stabilizes.

The training helps participants build practical skills for supportive conversations, reduce stigma, and better understand how mental health challenges can show up in workplaces and client-facing roles.

MHFA training in BC is available in virtual and in-person options from a number of organizations. Some organizations that offer this training include (the following links open to available training options):

REALTOR® Wellness Resources

Mental Health and Addiction

Mental Health Commission of Canada

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a pan-Canadian health organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for everyone living in Canada.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

mentalhealthcommission.ca/public-resources/

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health

Tools for employers, managers, and employees. These include workshops and resources on increasing emotional intelligence, and more.

Who it’s for: Employers and employees. Region: Canada

workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/

Mental Health Literacy

Resources for schools, parents, and professionals.

Who it’s for: Parents and caregivers. Region: Alberta, but has resources for all provinces.

mentalhealthliteracy.org/parents/

Foundry BC

An app co-created by youth for youth that offers young people aged 12 to 24, and their caregivers, access to integrated health and wellness services through their mobile device or an online web portal.

Who it’s for: Youth. Region: BC

1.833.FOUNDRY (1.833.308.6379)

foundrybc.ca/virtual

eMental Health

Resources and a provider search to find mental health practitioners in your area. Non-profit initiative of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Ontario, but it can be filtered to BC.

ementalhealth.ca/

Trans Lifeline

Connects trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive. A grassroots hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to transpeople in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

translifeline.org/

Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada

A national charity that provides leadership in awareness, education, and advocacy for ADHD across Canada.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

caddac.ca/

Here to Help

Free mental health and substance use information with resources including articles, information sheets, screening self-tests, and more.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: BC

heretohelp.bc.ca/

Government of Canada: Mental Health Support - Get Help

Designed for all Canadians seeking mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, or crisis support, not just one specific demographic. It serves as a national entry point to connect people with appropriate mental health resources and services.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres in its field. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. Their site contains courses, information, and toolkits.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

camh.ca/

toolkit.camh.ca/

Mental Health 101 (free online course):
globallearningacademy.ca/learn/courses/50/mental-health-101

Depression 101 (free online course):
globallearningacademy.ca/learn/courses/27/depression-101

For families affected by substance use problems (free online courses):
globallearningacademy.ca/learn/courses/26/empowering-families-affected-by-substance-use-problems

For families affected by addiction (free online courses):
globallearningacademy.ca/learn/courses/22/addiction-101

Kids Help Phone

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from trained responders.

Who it’s for: Youth. Region: Canada

Call 1.800.668.6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868.

kidshelpphone.ca/

Be There

Linked to Jack.org, which is all about youth supporting youth, the “Be There” page can be used by anyone supporting someone in need.

Who it’s for: Parents and caregivers. Region: Canada

bethere.org/Home

Heads Up Guys

Designed to help improve mental health literacy among men, reduce stigma, arm men (and their friends, families, and communities) with strategies for effective self-management, and support their uptake of mental health services.

Who it’s for: Men. Region: BC

headsupguys.org/

Government of Canada: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Coach Canada

Helps people learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

canada.ca/en/mobile/ptsd-coach-canada.html

Autism BC

Programs designed to support, empower, and connect the autism community.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: BC

autismbc.ca/programs/

Government of Canada: Get Help With Substance Use

Resources and information for people who need help with substance use, including overdose prevention resources and quit smoking services. It does not include direct links to private clinics or for-profit organizations.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html

Grief

Youth Grief

Developed – from content to art to design – by grieving youth, for grieving youth. It shares wisdom, experiences, and advice from more than 30 young people who’ve been there and know what it’s like to grieve when someone you care about has died.

Who it’s for: Youth. Region: Canada

youthgrief.ca/

My Grief

An online resource that helps people move through their grief from the comfort of their own home, at their own pace.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: Canada

mygrief.ca/

Kid Grief

Resources to help adults talk to kids about grief.

Who it’s for: Parents and caregivers. Region: Canada

kidsgrief.ca/

BC Bereavement Line

Established as a charity in 1988, it’s become a provincial leader in providing education, support, and advocacy for the bereaved, their caregivers, and professionals.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information. Region: BC

1.877.779.2233 Monday to Friday (9 am to 5 pm PT)

bcbh.ca/

Business and Financial Resources

Credit Counselling Canada

A non-profit organization offering free credit counselling, budgeting help, debt consolidation, and debt management plans.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information. Region: Canada

creditcounsellingcanada.ca/

Business Development Bank of Canada

Articles, templates, and tools for self-employed professionals, including resources on topics such as cash flow management, business planning guidance, and financial management education.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information. Region: Canada

bdc.ca/en

Government of BC

Resources designed to support the business journey.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information. Region: BC

Provincial guides and templates that explain business processes, opportunities, and requirements in BC:
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/small-business/resources

Services and supports available from organizations in BC:
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/small-business/organizations

Community Futures BC (CFBC)

A non-profit organization representing a membership of 34 independent Community Futures offices across BC, providing business, financial, and community development services in rural and remote BC communities. Located in Mission, CFBC’s services are available across the province, and its member offices provide services at the regional or community level.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information. Region: BC (focus on rural)

communityfutures.ca/

Physical Wellness and Nutrition

Government of BC

Healthy eating guide for seniors available in English, Chinese, French, and Punjabi.

Who it’s for: Seniors

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/active-aging/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-for-seniors-handbook

Diabetes Canada

Education, information, recipes, and resources.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information.

diabetes.ca/

Government of Canada

Physical activity plays an important role in overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Improve your health by being active as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information.

canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-adults-18-64-years.html

canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-older-adults-65-years-older.html

HealthLink BC

Information on food, nutrition, pregnancy, aging, and activity.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information.

healthlinkbc.ca/living-well

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

CSEP is the resource for translating advances in exercise science research into the promotion of fitness, performance, and health outcomes for Canadians.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information.

csepguidelines.ca/

ParticipAction

Benefits of movement.

Who it’s for: Individuals seeking information, family, and general information.

participaction.com/the-science/explore-benefits/

Latest REALTOR® Wellness Articles