Suicide Prevention

Suicide warning signs are not always obvious. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret.

Talking or writing about suicide. Making statements such as, “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I was dead,” or “I am just so tired of life”.
Buying guns or knives, or stockpiling pills
Withdrawing from social contact
Severe mood swings
Thinking constantly about death, dying or violence
Depression or a sense of hopelessness
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Changing normal routine, including eating and sleeping patterns
Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
Saying goodbye to people as if for the last time
Personality changes, such as an outgoing person becoming withdrawn, or a well-behaved person suddenly acting rebellious

Stress over school, relationships, expectations
Previous suicide attempts — almost half of teens who commit suicide had made previous attempts
Family history of abuse, suicide or violence
A recent loss such as a death, break-up or parents’ divorce
Being bullied or being a bully; Cyberbullying
An estimated 75% to 90% of adolescent suicide deaths are associated with mental illness
LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) are 4 times more likely to make a suicide attempt than their peers

Learn more, including warning signs that are specific to teens and older adults at Know the Signs: www.suicideispreventable.org/find-the-words

If you or someone you care about is in crisis:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) and at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) www.veteranscrisisline.net
Stanislaus County Community Emergency Response Team: Call 209-558-4600 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or visit: www.stancounty.com/bhrs/emergency-services.shtm
Emergency: Call 911
Suicide Prevention App: www.my3app.org
Suicide Prevention Services: www.stancounty.com/bhrs/suicide-prevention.shtm
Local resources: Call 2-1-1, visit www.stanislauscounty211.org or text your zip code to 898211

Resources for older adults:

Call the National Senior Support Line: 1-800-235-9980
Stanislaus County Aging and Veteran Services: 209-558-7380 or www.agingservices.info

StanUp for Wellness: a platform devoted to improving the emotional health and wellbeing of every Stanislaus County resident while reducing the stigma often associated with mental illness. Please visit the website to explore and learn more about our unique, grassroots movement that continues to transform and inspire residents to “StanUp for Wellness” in our community: www.stanupforwellness.org/en
Know the Signs: www.suicideispreventable.org/find-the-words
Friends Are Good Medicine: a county-wide clearinghouse of self-help peer support services in both the general an professional community. www.friendsaregoodmedicine.com

Adapted from Ventura County Behavioral Health / www.venturacountyresponds.org