Suicide Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2016 that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans age 10 or older. Suicide is a serious epidemic that is the second leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24. A nationwide survey of youth in grades 9-12 in the United States found that 16% of students reported seriously considering suicide, 13% reported creating a plan, and 8% reported that they tried to take their own life in the previous 12 months. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, tell a school administrator, school counselor or a trusted adult. Do not keep it a secret! Get help. If you are worried that someone is going to harm themselves, immediately call 9-1-1.

Know the Signs!

Many suicidal people show some warning signs that may appear in conversations, through their actions or on social media posts. If you or someone you know is suicidal, get help immediately by calling 9-1-1, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or the Crisis Text Line (text CONNECT to 741741).

Warning Signs:

Increased alcohol or drug use
Talking about wanting to die or talking about suicide
Uncontrolled anger
Feeling hopeless, depressed, or desperate
Changes in sleeping patterns
Giving away possessions
Sudden mood changes
Withdrawal from usual activities
Talking about being a burden to others
Feelings of no sense of purpose

What You Need to Know:

Suicide prevention is possible
90% of people who are suicidal often have an underlying, treatable mental health issue like depression or substance abuse.
Having a mental health issue is nothing to be ashamed of and help is available.
Suicide is a complicated behavior and there is no one single cause.
To learn more about risk factors go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention which lists risk factors.

For tips for parents and educators check out the National Association of School Psychologists. Tips for Parents

Board Policy 5141.52 Suicide Prevention

Resources:

Know the Signs

https://www.suicideispreventable.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24/7 voice and chat line. 1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

ItsUptoUs-Riverside
Easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for Riverside County.
https://up2riverside.org/resources/resources-for-suicide-prevention-and-support/

Suicide Prevention Resource Center
SPRC.org, the home of over 490 web pages and 250 library resources on suicide prevention information.
http://www.sprc.org/

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project- for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youth
http://www.thetrevorproject.org

If you would like assistance in setting up an appointment with a mental health provider contact Care Solace at https://caresolace.com/site/sjusdfamilies or call 888-515-0595.

24/7 Anonymous HELP LINES.

1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service
1-951-686-4357 Up to Riverside Suicide Prevention Help Line
1-800-843-5200 California Youth Crisis Hotline
1-866-488-7386 The Trevor Project crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

Care Solace:

24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service for San Jacinto Unified School District Students, Staff, and their Families