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Suicide Prevention

Here to Help

San Diego Unified is committed to supporting people in distress, providing prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and utilizing best practices for professionals. We can all help to prevent suicide. San Diego County Access & Crisis Line (888) 724-7240

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

See the San Diego Unified Suicide Prevention Policy here.
See the San Diego Unified Administrative Regulation on Suicide Prevention here.

FACTS:
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry report suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5 to 24.

Centers for Disease Control reported suicide death rates in children ages 10 to 14 have doubled since 2007.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Visit the resources for youth page that includes how to take care of yourself, how to help, and links to support resources. The lifeline also has support pages for some strong and diverse communities that can be at a higher risk. If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ or Native American/ Alaska Native Communities there is information, resources, and supports available for you and your loved ones.

 

The Trevor Project

The Trevor ProjectThe Trevor Project offers accredited life-saving, life-affirming programs and services to LGBTQ youth that create safe, accepting and inclusive environments over the phone, online and through text. Watch the 16 minute film Trevor written by James Lecesne and produced by Peggy Rajski and Randy Stone. Visit the Trevor Support Center, a place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more!



Take Action for Mental HealthTake Action for Mental Health

Take Action for Mental Health Take Action for Mental Health is the campaign for California’s ongoing mental health movement. The campaign’s underlying goal is to support prevention and early intervention efforts that promote mental wellness and offer Californians the tools to seek help for themselves or a loved one. An evolution of the Each Mind Matters campaign, it continues the progress of reducing stigma of mental illness and increasing awareness of mental health needs and resources, asking Californians to take action for themselves and the people they care about.

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available. Learn how to recognize the signs of crisis, and how and where to get help. Reaching out can save a life. Learn More

 

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention ProgramYellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

We are members of communities across this country/world who are empowering people (of all ages) to raise awareness about and to prevent youth/teen suicide. We work to coordinate appropriate education, training and collaboration with local and national resources to build sustainable suicide prevention programs.

The Light for Life Foundation Int'l/Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program® is dedicated to preventing suicide and attempts by Making Suicide Prevention Accessible to Everyone and Removing Barriers to Help.

The program began in 1994 in response to heartfelt pleas from teens and adults after the death of a friend and loved one, Mike Emme (17). Words said by his family - "please don't do this, please talk to someone" were put on bright yellow paper along with phone numbers / who to call to get help. Teens pinned yellow ribbons on 500 slips of those yellow papers for his services and at the end, all were gone. Teens began to mail them 'everywhere' to friends and loved ones. Within three weeks came word of a girl who got help when she gave her yellow message* she had received in the mail to her teacher and received help. The Ripple Effect had begun - a bright yellow bridge that connects those in need to those who help.

* The messages (those yellow slips of paper) became the hallmark of the program - the Ask 4 Help!® Card.

Your Life Your Voice from BoystownYour Life Your Voice from Boystown

It's ok to ask for help. You dont have to face your problems alone. There are several ways to get help if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or are worried about a friend. Click here to contact a Boys Town counselor via a phone call (800) 448-3000, text "voice" to 20121, chat, or email.

TeenlineTeenline

If you have a problem or just want to talk with another teen who understands, then this is the right place for you! Call (800) 852-8336, Text "Teen" to 839863, or Email us. Check out "Ask TEEN LINE", find resources in our Youth Yellow Pages, or join conversations with other teens on our message boards.

Students Speaking Out

The Students Speaking Out Program has an anonymous tip line, a mobile app, and a website to help students speak out against criminal or suspicious activity. Their message to students is that your voice can make a difference. When you know about illegal or dangerous activity taking place; tell someone. Your voice might save a life, stop a crime, or get help for someone in need. If you see something, say something! Use the website, download the P3 App (for iphone or android), or call 888-580-8477 to report an incident or express your concern. Our district wide Students Speaking Out campaign in collaboration with School Police challenged our high school students, enrolled in CCTE Video Production courses, to create Public Service Announcements (PSA).