Suicide Prevention

Here’s how you can help:

Learn the warning signs of suicide.

People thinking of ending their life often give hints about their intentions. Become familiar with the warning signs and don’t hesitate to take action if you notice unusual behaviors. Trust your instincts. To learn more about the signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a conversation with someone you care about, and additional support resources, click here.

You are not alone. If you are experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, or are concerned for someone else, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988.

If emergency medical or psychiatric care is needed, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Whether you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, all services are voluntary. Counseling, nursing and psychiatric medications are available. All locations are available 24/7 and everyone is welcome — regardless of insurance type or ability to pay.

You can help prevent suicide.

People who are suicidal often say or do things that are signals of their intentions. These warning signs are an opportunity for you to start a conversation, even if it is difficult. You may be unsure about how you can help or if the person is actually in serious trouble, but asking about their feelings or intentions is an important first step.

Remember, talking specifically about suicide does not cause it to happen or plant the idea. Communicating your concern and offering to find help together could save a life. If you’re concerned about someone, don’t hesitate to take action right away!

Reach out and stay involved.

Withdrawing from friends and family, not returning phone calls and not participating in activities the person previously enjoyed can all be warning signs of feeling troubled. Continue to reach out, be persistent and don’t give up. Your efforts let people know you care about them.

Start the conversation.

Let the person you care about know you’re concerned about them. You could say:

“I am worried about you.”
“It seems like something is bothering you.”
“You don’t seem like yourself lately. How can I help?”

Be direct and ask questions; even the ones you may be afraid to ask, such as:

“Are you depressed?”
“Are you feeling that there is no way out?”
“Are you thinking about ending your life?”

If you think the person is suicidal:

Stay with them, listen to them and take them seriously. Help them get help. Tell them to call the Helpline, a free crisis and suicide intervention hotline and referral service, at (951) 686-HELP (4357) to talk to someone about how they are feeling. If you don’t think they are able to do this on their own, then offer to call with them.

Be their connector.

Consider yourself the link to getting the person you care about the help they need. Reach out to friends, family members or a clergy person, rabbi or other faith leader. If you are concerned about the safety of a young person, encourage them to talk to an adult they trust and let them know that they are not alone.

Warning Signs

If someone you know is showing any or a combination of the following behaviors, have them call or help them call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or dial 988. You can also call the lifeline on your own, and get guidance on how to help the person you’re concerned about.

The call is free and confidential, and the phone lines are answered by trained professionals available 24/7.

You can also have your friend and family member call or walk into a Riverside County 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care location. Whether they are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, all services are voluntary. Counseling, nursing and psychiatric medications are available. All locations are open 24/7 and everyone is welcome — regardless of insurance type or ability to pay. You could be saving their life!

The risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.

To learn more about the signs of suicide, how to find the words to start to have a conversation with someone you care about, and additional support resources, visit this page.

Seek immediate help when you hear or see any one of these behaviors:

Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
Looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings

Source: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Support Suicide Prevention Awareness!

Pain isn’t always obvious. Share this page to encourage others to Read Up on the warning signs for suicide and Reach Out to someone they care about.

Learn More

Riverside County Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan

The Suicide Prevention Coalition is a collaboration between county organizations, non-profit, private, faith-based organizations, school districts, higher education institutions, healthcare, and first responders designed to work together to eliminate suicide deaths and suicide attempts and increase resources and support. The Coalition brings together multi-disciplinary partners to address the root causes of suicide. Suicide is often preventable with the right knowledge and skills. Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention, regardless of background or experience. Find out more here.

For a quick reference guide of the Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, click here.
You can watch a webinar about the Strategic Plan
Once you have read the Strategic Plan and Reference Guide, take a moment to complete the Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Survey, to let us know how you and/or your organization can participate in the Suicide Prevention Coalition.