Preventing Suicide

It's OK...
to feel upset
or stressed
or overwhelmed
or sad

But if you feel that way all the time or you want to harm yourself, it’s time to talk to someone about it.

Get Help Now

If you or someone you care about is in crisis:

If it's an emergency:
Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer

To talk with someone now:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
TTY: 988
Free • Confidential • 24/7
Please note: If you are in Ventura County but using an out-of-county cell phone area code, you will reach the 988 call center corresponding to your phone’s area code. However, you can provide your location to be connected to Ventura County services.

Ventura County Crisis & Referral Line
1-866-998-2243
Substance Use Treatment Services
1-844-385-9200
24/7 • www.vcbh.org

Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and press 1
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
veteranscrisisline.net

The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQ+ focus)
1-866-488-7386
24/7 • thetrevorproject.org

Additional Resources:

Mental Health Warm Line
Non-emergency emotional support, 24/7
Call 1-855-845-7415
Web chat: mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline

First Responders
Law enforcement COPLINE: 1-800-267-5463
www.copline.org
Fire/EMS/rescue Helpline: 1-888-731-3473
www.nvfc.org/help

Local Resources
Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211
www.211ventura.org

Vea recursos de prevención del suicidio en español →

Concerned about someone?

Talk

When you're alone and not rushed
Ask if they're thinking about ending their life
Listen
Be respectful and caring
Learn more about what to say: Know the Signs

If They Say Yes

Help them remove guns, pills or other means
Call with them:
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Go with them to mental health services or an emergency room

Stay Connected

Check in regularly.
Studies show that staying connected with someone who cares makes a difference.
Support them in creating a safety plan.
Learn more about safety plans: Suicide Prevention Lifeline and My3App.org

Suicide Can Be Prevented

Suicide is a tragic reaction to severe distress or feelings of hopelessness in one's life. Thoughts of suicide do not necessarily mean that you want to die. Instead they mean that you have more pain than you can cope with right now. However, suicidal thoughts do not have to become suicidal actions.

It's important to know that suicide can be preventable. Whether you are considering ending your life, or know someone who feels suicidal, learn to recognize the warning signs and how to get immediate help. You may save a life – your own or someone else's.

Did you know?

87 people died by suicide in Ventura County in 2021.
There has been a significant rise in suicide for middle-aged men.
Nationally, it is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24.

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.

Together We Can Make a Difference

VENTURA COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL

Vision: Ventura County Suicide Prevention Council is comprised of countywide stakeholders who are dedicated to reducing suicides by offering help and hope to people of every culture, gender and socioeconomic group throughout their lifespans.

Mission: Our purpose is to promote help and hope to everyone at risk or affected by suicide. We engage in collaborative dialogue to raise public awareness, identify resources and provide education, and we strive to support innovative suicide prevention and intervention initiatives.

Contact MHSA@ventura.org for more information.

If you are interested in joining the Suicide Prevention Council, please email MHSA@ventura.org