Suicide Warning Signs
Suicide warning signs are not always obvious. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret. That’s why it’s important to listen carefully and pay attention to what people say.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
- 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”.
- Using strong words like “nothing”, “everything”, “always”, “never” more often.
- 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
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS
- 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; Cyber bullying
- 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 How to Help
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention resources
www.afsp.org
1-888-333-AFSP (2377)
Know the Signs
Learn the warning signs – Find the words – Reach out
www.suicideispreventable.org
safeTALK Suicide Alertness Classes
Free, 3-hour training sessions for schools
Click here to learn more.
Is anyone in immediate danger?
Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.
Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?
Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Crisis & Referral Line
1-866-998-2243 • www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7
Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7
See 988 FAQs >
See Crisis Line Comparison Chart >
Want to connect via WhatsApp?
Crisis Text Line
Connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Chat via WhatsApp
or text HOME to 741741
crisistextline.org
Free • 24/7
For Veterans
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and press 1
veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7
More resources for Military and Veterans >
For Teens & Young Adults
Teen Line
Teen-to-teen education and support
Text TEEN to 839863 between 6:00pm–9:00pm PST
Or call 800‑TLC‑TEEN from 6pm to 10pm PST
teenline.org
More resources for Teens & Young Adults >
For LGBTQ+ Young People
The Trevor Project Lifeline
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
Call 1-866-488-7386
text START to 678-678
or web chat: thetrevorproject.org
Free • 24/7 • Confidential
More resources for LGBTQ+ Teens >
More Support & Resources
For Everyone
For emotional support when it's not a crisis:
Mental Health Warm Line 24/7
1-855-845-7415
Web chat: mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline
For help with addiction:
Substance Use Treatment Services
1-844-385-9200
Free • Confidential • 24/7
See more local resources >
For Teens
California Youth Crisis Line
Help with issues including medical care, dating violence, sexual assault, runaway resources and homelessness, available 24/7
1-800-843-5200
calyouth.org/cycl
More resources for teens >
For Older Adults
Senior Support Line
Feeling lonely or isolated?
Call 1-800-235-9980
More resources for older adults >
For LGBTQ+
Diversity Collective
Support for LGBTQ+
Countywide • all ages
diversitycollectivevc.org
805-644-5428
info@diversitycollective.org
More LGBTQ+ resources >
For First Responders
Law enforcement COPLINE
1-800-267-5463
www.copline.org
NVFC First Responder Helpline
Fire, EMS, and other rescue workers
1-888-731-3473
www.nvfc.org/help
