Talking about mental health remains difficult in many families. In Black communities, several obstacles are compounded: fear of judgment, the idea that one must "be strong" and solve problems alone, a lack of professionals who understand the cultural realities, and a distrust of institutions fueled by experiences of racism. In Repentigny, we also know, tragically, what can happen when a mental health crisis is met with an inadequate response. Yet, asking for help is not a sign of weakness: it is an act of courage and responsibility towards oneself and loved ones. This text brings together concrete resources available in Lanaudière, as well as services designed for Black people.

Why this is a particular issue

Psychological distress doesn't affect everyone in the same way. In addition to the difficulties anyone experiences—bereavement, separation, job loss, isolation—racialized people also face the burden of daily racism, the stress of microaggressions, the stress related to their immigration status, and sometimes trauma experienced before arriving in Canada. This "additional stress" is real and documented. Denying it doesn't make it disappear.

Added to this is the barrier to access: finding a therapist who immediately understands your reality, without you having to explain everything, remains difficult. Many Black people refrain from seeking help because they fear not being understood, or having to "educate" their therapist about racism before even discussing their suffering. This is a legitimate barrier—and that's precisely why culturally appropriate resources exist, and why it's worthwhile to be aware of them.

In case of a crisis: numbers to know

If you or a loved one is experiencing intense distress, suicidal thoughts, or a psychological crisis, don't suffer alone. These services are free, confidential, and accessible without a referral.

  • Info-Social: 811, option 2. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Professionals listen to you, advise you and guide you towards the right services.
  • Lanaudière Crisis Services: 1 800 436-0966. 24/7 crisis intervention for adults in the region, with service points in the Repentigny area. Telephone support, meetings, and even temporary accommodation are available to help manage a crisis. No referral is necessary.
  • Quebec Suicide Prevention Line: 1 866 277-3553 (1 866 APPELLE), or the national line 9-8-8 (call or text), for anyone having suicidal thoughts or worried about a loved one.

An important point: when a loved one is in crisis and there is immediate danger, the instinct is to call 911. Be aware that it is possible to explicitly request the intervention of a specialized mental health team and to specify to the dispatcher that it is a psychological crisis, not a criminal act. The Lanaudière Crisis Services can also be contacted as a first point of contact in many situations that do not require police intervention.

Community resources in Lanaudière

Beyond the immediate emergency, several organizations offer listening, mutual aid and long-term support.

  • Le Tournesol de la Rive-Nord (Repentigny): 450 657-1608. Mental health support, mutual aid and activities for residents of the MRC of L'Assomption (Repentigny, Charlemagne, L'Épiphanie, L'Assomption).
  • The Light of the Lanaudière Lighthouse (Joliette and Repentigny): 450 752-4544. Support specifically for the relatives of someone living with a mental health disorder — because families need help too.
  • The Lanaudière Network of Community and Alternative Mental Health Organizations (ROCASML): 450 759-8853. A gateway to locating the organization closest to you.
  • Your CLSC and Info-Social (811) They also remain gateways to public services, especially if you are looking for psychological support or a doctor.

Resources designed for Black people

Some resources, often based in Montreal but accessible remotely, offer culturally adapted services — that is, delivered by people who immediately understand the reality of Black communities.

LAKAY has created a platform to address precisely this obstacle. Black Mental Health is a free, public online directory of Black psychologists and mental health professionals practicing in Quebec. You can search for a professional by region—North Shore, Montreal, Longueuil, South Shore, or for remote consultations—as well as by language spoken (French, English, Creole, Kinyarwanda, and others), by client group (adults, adolescents, couples, families, children), and by area of expertise. Each profile provides contact information to book an appointment directly, without intermediaries or referrals. It's a concrete way to overcome the barrier described above: finding someone to whom you won't have to explain racism before talking about your suffering.

  • The Black Healing Centre (Montreal) offers free or affordable mental health support, based on racial justice and healing, taking into account racism-related trauma.
  • The Resilience Institute offers mental health and family relations services with a culturally consistent approach for Black and Francophone African communities.
  • Multi-Écoute: 514 737-3604. Listening and psychosocial support for immigrant populations.
  • The Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre (MRMHRC) help to find services adapted to diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Directories of Black therapists (like Healing in Colour) allow you to search for a professional who matches your reality.

These lists are evolving; if you are not sure where to start, LAKAY can help you find the right resource for you.

How to support a loved one

We are often the first to witness a family member's distress without knowing what to do. A few clues can help. Pay attention to persistent changes: sudden withdrawal, unusual irritability, loss of interest, sleep or appetite disturbances, somber talk, increased consumption. These signs don't necessarily mean disaster is inevitable, but they do indicate that support is needed.

What helps most is often simple: offering a listening ear without judgment or minimization, avoiding "snap out of it" or "others have it worse," and reminding the person that they are not alone. You can offer concrete support: calling a number together, helping them make an appointment, accompanying them to a meeting. Caring for a loved one is demanding: don't forget to also rely on resources like La Lueur du phare (The Lighthouse's Light), which exists specifically for families. If you perceive an immediate danger, don't bear this responsibility alone—call Info-Social at 811, option 2, or 9-8-8.

Asking for help is a legitimate gesture

You don't have to wait until you're at your breaking point to ask for help. Seeking help because you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious is just as legitimate as seeking help for physical pain. Talking to someone you trust—a loved one, a counselor, or a spiritual guide open to these issues—is often the first step. The second is to call one of the numbers above. Healing doesn't erase injustices, but it gives you the strength to overcome and fight them.

LAKAY is here

LAKAY provides free and confidential support to immigrants and racialized people in Repentigny and Lanaudière. We can listen to you without judgment, direct you to the appropriate resources, and support you in your efforts, including when your distress is related to experiences of discrimination or profiling.

LAKAY
818 Notre-Dame Street, Suite 202, Repentigny, Quebec
Telephone: 514 532-0484
Website: lakaymedia.org
Facebook: facebook.com/lakayrepentigny

Mental health is a sensitive topic. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, contact one of the resources listed above immediately—help is available and accessible.