Preventing Suicide

Get Help Now

If you or someone you care about is in crisis:

Emergency: Call 911

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
or Text HEARME to 839863
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
Free • Confidential
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Free 24/7 support
crisistextline.org

Ventura County Crisis & Referral:
1-866-998-2243
Substance Use Treatment Services:
1-844-385-9200
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
www.vcbh.org

Veterans Crisis Line
Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
veteranscrisisline.net

Additional Resources:

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

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

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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.

Middle-aged Men and Suicide

In Ventura County, middle-aged men (ages 45-64) have the highest rates of suicide, making up 37% of suicides in 2018. 

Bartenders as Gatekeepers is an innovative project that aims to reach middle-aged men who are at risk of dying by suicide. Learn about project and how bar and restaurant servers can help prevent suicide.

See the Not Alone videos that support the campaign.

Did you know?

  • 94 people died by suicide in Ventura County in 2019.

  • 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.

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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.
Call 1-800-273-8255
Or text HEARME to 83963

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 Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
    • Or text HEARME to 839863
  • 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

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.