Preventing Suicide
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.
Is anyone in immediate danger?
Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.
Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?
Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Crisis & Referral Line
1-866-998-2243 • www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7
Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7
See 988 FAQs >
See Crisis Line Comparison Chart >
Want to connect via WhatsApp?
Crisis Text Line
Connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Chat via WhatsApp
or text HOME to 741741
crisistextline.org
Free • 24/7
For Veterans
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and press 1
veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7
More resources for Military and Veterans >
For Teens & Young Adults
Teen Line
Teen-to-teen education and support
Text TEEN to 839863 between 6:00pm–9:00pm PST
Or call 800‑TLC‑TEEN from 6pm to 10pm PST
teenline.org
More resources for Teens & Young Adults >
For LGBTQ+ Young People
The Trevor Project Lifeline
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
Call 1-866-488-7386
text START to 678-678
or web chat: thetrevorproject.org
Free • 24/7 • Confidential
More resources for LGBTQ+ Teens >
More Support & Resources
For Everyone
For emotional support when it's not a crisis:
Mental Health Warm Line 24/7
1-855-845-7415
Web chat: mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline
For help with addiction:
Substance Use Treatment Services
1-844-385-9200
Free • Confidential • 24/7
See more local resources >
For Teens
California Youth Crisis Line
Help with issues including medical care, dating violence, sexual assault, runaway resources and homelessness, available 24/7
1-800-843-5200
calyouth.org/cycl
More resources for teens >
For Older Adults
Senior Support Line
Feeling lonely or isolated?
Call 1-800-235-9980
More resources for older adults >
For LGBTQ+
Diversity Collective
Support for LGBTQ+
Countywide • all ages
diversitycollectivevc.org
805-644-5428
info@diversitycollective.org
More LGBTQ+ resources >
For First Responders
Law enforcement COPLINE
1-800-267-5463
www.copline.org
NVFC First Responder Helpline
Fire, EMS, and other rescue workers
1-888-731-3473
www.nvfc.org/help
Preventing Suicide:
Pathways to Hope and Healing
2023 Forum
A Tale of Two Journeys
Keynote Speaker Gabe Teran, a lifelong resident of Ventura County, shares his own journey of loss and grief ater the death of a family member by suicide – followed by another journey, one of hope and healing. Through sharing these two journeys, he hopes that others can find strength in navigating their own.
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.
Did you know?
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100 people died by suicide in Ventura County in 2022.
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There has been a significant rise in suicide for middle-aged men.
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Nationally, it is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24.
Learn How to Help
Free Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
Learn more and sign up >
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.
Learn about crisis signs & symptoms, and how to help someone who is suicidal and connect them to resources.
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.
If you are interested in joining the Suicide Prevention Council, please email MHSA@ventura.org
