After a Suicide

Help is available! Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by using the links provided here. If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals; the call is free and confidential. If you need to be connected to mental health services in Riverside County, call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

  • Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) – Temecula Chapter
    Phone: (951) 679-2008
    Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) reaches out to and supports people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Their goal is to give survivors a place where they can comfortably express themselves, find support, comfort, resources, and hope in a judgment-free environment. SOSL also focuses its efforts on promoting suicide awareness and prevention.
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – Inland Empire and Desert Cities Chapter
    Phone: 855-869-AFSP (2377)
    The AFSP Inland Empire and Desert Cities Chapter is dedicated to eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
    As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.
  • Conversations Matter
    These tips from the Hunter Institute of Mental Health in Australia provide guidance for handling safe and effective conversations after a suicide death. They include basic tips on what to say and do for a person who lost someone close to them to suicide, as well as when you are worried someone you know may be thinking about suicide.
  • Speaking of Suicide
    This website for suicidal individuals, their loved ones, loss survivors, and mental health professionals.  It includes information on how to talk with children about the suicide, a comprehensive book list, and much more. 
  • SOS: A handbook for survivors of suicide (PDF)
    A pocket-sized quick reference booklet for suicide loss survivors from the American Association of Suicidology. The booklet may be downloaded freely or print copies can be purchased through the AAS website. Also available in Spanish.
  • Surviving a suicide loss: A financial guide (PDF)
    In the aftermath of loss, it can be especially difficult to make sound financial decisions. This guide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention describes how to take inventory, settle the estate, work with advisors and set a year of financial milestones.
  • Surviving after Suicide (PDF)
    A survivor of suicide is a family member or friend of a person who died by suicide. This fact sheet describes the common emotions and feelings of grief experienced by survivors of suicide and offers resources through the American Association of Suicidology.
  • What’s Up Safehouse is a 24/7, free, anonymous mental health crisis texting line. Get immediate support from a licensed mental health professional.  Dedicated to helping support the residents of Riverside County through issues surrounding anxiety, substance abuse, depression, school pressure, peer pressure, LGBTQ struggles, relational issues, suicidal thoughts, bullying, and any other issue that is causing trouble.
    • Text SHHELP to 844.204.0880 24/7 for immediate support and resources.