SUICIDE PREVENTION AND SUPPORT
**If you or someone you know are at risk of harming themselves please call 9-1-1, the Access & Crisis Line at 888-724-7240, or call/text the California Coalition for Youth Crisis Line at 800-843-5200. Both crisis lines are available 24 hours / 7 days a week.
Pain isn't always obvious. Every day in California friends, family and co-workers struggle with emotional pain. And, for some, it's too difficult to talk about the pain, thoughts of suicide, and the need for help. Though the warning signs can be subtle, they are there.
On September 10th, every year, World Suicide Prevention Day provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. Here at the Y, we are committed to supporting suicide prevention efforts. We offer a safe place for those needing resources or seeking support and community.
Suicide affects every community and is a growing public health concern. Feelings of hopelessness are often at the root of a person feeling suicidal. Difficulty coping with challenges in life and finding solutions to one’s challenges contributes to the loss of life and grief. Every single time a person dies by suicide, it is a profound tragedy. The loved ones who are left behind, often grieve with unanswered questions. To those individuals, we offer our sincerest condolences.
While suicide can be hard to talk about, it is important to start and engage in conversations with someone who expresses suicidal thoughts or actions or whom you suspect may be feeling suicidal. You do not have to have the right answers, but knowing trusted resources available in our communities and committing to follow up with the person can be the difference between life and death.
If you believe someone may be suicidal, here are some simple questions to ask. Be compassionate yet direct in your conversation:
- How are you coping?
- Are you thinking about dying?
- Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
- Are you thinking about suicide?
- Do you have a plan for taking your own life?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Local:
It's Up to Us - The It’s Up to Us campaign is designed to empower San Diegans to talk openly about mental illness, recognize symptoms, utilize local resources, and seek help.
State:
Know the Signs - Visit this website to learn the warning signs of suicide, find the words to offer help to someone you are concerned about, and reach out to local resources.
Each Mind Matters - Each Mind Matters is California’s Mental Health Movement. They are millions of individuals and thousands of organizations working to advance mental health.
National:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
YMCA MENTAL AND BEHAVIOR HEALTH SERVICES
Our clinical teams have extensive experience providing mental health services and online counseling to individuals, couples, families, children, and teens, covering a wide variety of topics. Learn more about our behavioral and mental health services.