Together in Hope: Suicide Prevention Resources in San Diego County

As Suicide Prevention Month finishes up, it's timely to provide a reminder that resources, tools and training are available year-round to help prevent suicide deaths.

Based on the latest data, the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council reported 363 suicide deaths in 2023 , a 1 percent increase from the 359 deaths the previous year, and a 6 percent increase since 2021.

"Asking someone how they're really doing and being ready to truly listen can save a life," said Nadia Privara, acting director of County Behavioral Health Services. "No one should have to face mental health challenges alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation."

The County's Behavioral Health Services Suicide Prevention Awareness Month toolkit Together in Hope offers a variety of resources for seeking help, talking about suicide prevention, and more.

• Know the signs, be prepared: No-cost Suicide Prevention Trainings are offered year-round by the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council. Visit www.SPCSanDiego.org or call 858-609-7960 to learn more.

• Visit It's Up to Us to find help for talking openly about mental health, how to recognize the signs of mental health struggles, find local resources, and get support.

• Try the 30-Day Mental Wellness Practice . This toolkit offers daily activities to take care of your mental health by guiding you through physical practices for your body, cognitive practices for your mind and emotional and social practices for your mood and relationships. Similarly, created by youth, for youth, the Youth Mental Wellness Practice offers resources like self-care and stress-reducing checklists ​ , journaling prompts, and more .

• The County also offers a variety of services and tailored programs to meet people where they are and prevent and address suicide on the Suicide Prevention Resources webpage . For example, there are programs for LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and members of the military and veterans.

Signs that someone may be at risk of suicide include: feeling hopeless or without purpose, talking about being a burden, increased alcohol or drug use, withdrawing socially and extreme mood swings.

Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know needs help, call 9-8-8 to speak to a trained crisis specialist. Calling 9-8-8 will connect you to the San Diego Access & Crisis Line, available seven days a week/24-hours a day. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages within seconds.