According to the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council’s annual report released Wednesday, the number of suicides in San Diego County decreased slightly in 2020 compared to the previous year.
The total number of suicides decreased from 429 in 2019 to 419 in 2019, while the suicide rate per 100,000 people fell from 12.8 to 12.5. As a result, it’s critical to talk about quick ways to reduce the number of people who commit suicide in San Diego. Is calling a suicide hotline a good idea when you’re contemplating suicide? Continue reading this article to learn more.
What Exactly is a Suicide Prevention Hotline?
A suicide hotline, which is also sometimes referred to as a crisis hotline, is a free service that provides individuals who are going through difficult times with a way to reach out for support.
It’s possible that when you think of a hotline, you picture a place where you can call, but in recent years, chat and text versions have been developed. People who aren’t in a secure environment to make a phone call or who experience anxiety when talking on the phone may find these helpful.
Possible Causes Behind a Person’s Suicide Crisis
People reach a crisis point where they are considering suicide for various reasons. However, they are overburdened by a problem that they may not be able to solve on their own in most cases. For instance, a teen who is bullied regularly at school may be unable to stop the bullying without assistance from outside sources. If the teen has tried to get help, but the bullying hasn’t stopped, the teen may easily become overwhelmed by the situation. Situations like these can and do lead to thoughts of suicide in some people.
A person who has a mental illness such as depression is another type of individual who might be in the midst of a crisis. A person suffering from depression, particularly if they are not receiving treatment for their condition, may be driven to suicidal feelings due to the illness they did not ask for, did not cause, and cannot control. A depressed person will likely require the assistance of a trained professional to get through this difficult time.
Reasons People Call a Suicide Hotline
On average, people only feel that taking their own lives is the only way out of an overwhelming crisis, believing that suicide is the only way out. People in this state are more likely to consider suicide and call a crisis hotline. The following are some of the reasons people have called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the past, as stated by the organization:
- Misuse of substances
- Economic concerns
- Relationship issues as well as issues within the family
- Mistreatment based on sexual orientation
- Illnesses, both mental and physical
- Loneliness
Calling the Lifeline is encouraged for anyone going through a difficult time, regardless of whether or not they are having suicidal thoughts. Hence, you should call a suicide hotline in San Diego if necessary.
Suicide Hotlines to call
If you’re thinking about suicide or self-harm, these resources can help you get help right away:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
- The Text Line for Emergencies. Text HOME to 741741, the Crisis Text Line.
- Trevor’s Project. Under the age of 25 and LGBTQIA+? Text “START” to 678678 or chat online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Crisis Line for Veterans. Call 800-273-8255, text 838255, or chat online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Crisis Line for the Deaf. Text “HAND” to 839863 or call 321-800-DEAF (3323).
- Suicide Hotline San Diego, California. Call (888) 724-7240 to reach the San Diego Access and Crisis Line.
Worldwide Befrienders This international network of crisis hotlines can assist you in locating a local hotline.
What to Expect When you call a Suicide Hotline
While everyone’s experience varies, especially depending on the modality you choose, knowing what to expect and who you might interact with before dialing the number can be helpful.
Before the call
Depending on your method of contact, you may have to wait 30 seconds to 10 minutes on average to be connected to a volunteer or counselor, depending on call volume. Don’t get discouraged; someone will respond as soon as possible.
What can They do to Assist me?
A suicide hotline’s ultimate goal is to de-escalate the situation. This can take the form of:
- listening actively
- sharing resources and coping skills
- providing feedback
The individual determines the call’s ultimate goal. Some people call or text a hotline because they need help, not because they intend to harm themselves — and that’s fine.
According to both former volunteers, no two calls are alike because everyone’s experiences and needs are vastly different. However, you can expect an open discussion geared toward making you feel heard and supported.
When Should I Think About Other Possibilities?
Suicidality or suicidal ideation is a common symptom for many people, particularly those who have chronic illnesses or mental health disorders. Many people experience passive suicidality (thinking about dying but not planning it) regularly, but some thoughts or feelings are worth paying attention to:
- Have you gone from a passive to an active desire in your mind?
- Do you have a strategy in mind?
- Did you make a schedule to carry out this strategy?
- Are you prepared to carry out the plan?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to implement your safety plan or consider inpatient care.
Getting Help
Some people have gone through training to be there for you when you need them and the other means of support available to you, such as friends, family members, or a therapist.
Just know that you do not need to navigate these feelings alone, especially if you have suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a crisis related to your mental health.
Mental Health Treatment in Orange County, CA
Suicide is a serious issue that seems to be getting worse at an alarming rate, one of the best things you can do fight back against suicide is to get help from a professional and practice maintaining good mental health.
Prevention is the first line of defense against suicide; if you ever find yourself in need of help, reach out to Story Wellness by calling (866) 476-2823.
