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In Stanislaus County, the silent epidemic of suicide continues to claim lives, leaving families and communities grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Imagine a teenager silently struggling with depression or an elderly neighbor facing isolation and despair. These stories are too common, but they don’t have to end in tragedy. Together, we can take steps to prevent suicide and support those at risk.
HELP IS HERE
Suicide Prevention Resources in Stanislaus County
988 Lifeline (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
Phone: 988 (formerly 1-800-273-8255)
Available: 24/7/365
Services Offered: Confidential support for people in distress or crisis, including risk assessment and safety planning. 988 supports calls, texts, chats and has videophone or TTY available for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a hearing loss.
Stanislaus County Community Services Response Team (CERT)
Access Line: (888) 376-6246
Available: 24/7
Services Offered: Provides access to services and psychiatric evaluations for individuals in crisis.
Phone: (209) 558-4600
Available: 24/7
Services Offered: Peer support for individuals who are not in crisis but need someone to talk to or require assistance and resources toward recovery.
Stanislaus County Mobile Crisis Team
Phone: 1-888-376-6246
Available: 24/7
Services Offered: Provides crisis intervention and de-escalation services for individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
Prevention Services - Stanislaus County
Phone: (209) 525-5315
Available: Mon - Fri, 8:00 AM - 5PM
Services offered: Focuses on early intervention and community education regarding mental health issues.
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS)
Phone: 888-376-6246
Available: 24/7
Services offered: Offers a range of mental health services, including suicide prevention programs.
Additional Support Services
Phone: (866) 488-7386
Available: 24/7
Services: provides free, confidential and secure 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ young people struggling with issues such as coming out, identity, depression and suicide.
Phone: (800-448-4663)
Available: 24/7
Services: Offers support specifically for youth in crisis.
Crisis Hotline for Youth & Families
Phone: 1-800-999-9999
Available: 24/7
Services offered: Provides immediate assistance to families experiencing crises.
Phone: (800) 843-5200
Available: 24/7
Services offered: statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis. Provides crisis intervention counseling and resource referrals to service providers in the caller’s local community.
Regional Suicide Prevention & Crisis Services
Phone: (800) 273-TALK (1-800-SUICIDE) or (530) 885-2300
Available: 24/7/365
Services Offered: Trained crisis line staff provide risk assessment, safety planning, and community resource exploration.
Phone: (833) 317-4673 for live chat, call or text
Services: young people and families across the state with easy-to-use mobile apps:
Bright Life Kids: mental health coaching and resources for parents with kids ages 0-12
Soluna: Mental health coaching and resources for teens and young adults ages 13-25
CalHOPE Red Line: trauma-informed support for Urban Indian and Tribal populations. These include resources related to stress, anxiety, social services, and financial resources.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Phone: (800) 662-HELP (4357)
Address: 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857
Services: Provides a national helpline, treatment locator, and various resources for suicide prevention and mental health support.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Phone: (866) 615-6464
Address: 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892
Services: Offers research-based information on suicide prevention, risk factors, and treatment options.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Suicide Prevention
Phone: (800) 232-4636
Address: 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
Services: Provides data, research, and prevention strategies to reduce suicide rates across the United States.
These resources offer a range of services from crisis intervention to long-term support and research initiatives aimed at preventing suicide and promoting mental health wellness.
A History of Action and Awareness
The fight against suicide has a long history rooted in community and advocacy. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now accessible through 988, marked a turning point in how people access crisis help. Stanislaus County, recognizing local challenges like rural isolation and economic stress, has developed tailored approaches to address this crisis.
Suicide is a significant public health challenge throughout California. In 2020, 4,075 Californians lost their lives to suicide. The state has developed a comprehensive strategic plan, "Striving for Zero: California's Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention 2020-2025," to align local and regional efforts with state priorities in delivering best practices for suicide prevention
Suicide is a significant public health concern in Stanislaus County. Based on data from 2018-2020, the California Department of Public Health indicates the age-adjusted suicide rate for Stanislaus County is 11.5 per 100,000 population, slightly higher than the overall California state rate of 10.5 per 100,000 for the same period. The county's Community Health Assessment highlights mental health as a critical focus area, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention and mental health support services. Local Statistic: In 2022, the 988 Lifeline recorded over 1,000 calls from Stanislaus County residents, demonstrating the pressing need for accessible support.
While not specific to Stanislaus County, it's worth mentioning that more recent statewide trends indicate:
Between 2020 and 2022, suicide rates for males were seven times higher than the rates for females
In 2022, 62% of people who died by suicide had no college degree, and 53% of suicide-related deaths involved a firearm
From 2020 through 2022, the highest suicide death rate was among white residents (15 per 100,000)
Did You Know? Firearms account for over 50% of suicides nationwide, making firearm safety a critical focus of local prevention efforts.
Understanding the Warning Signs
Recognizing warning signs can save lives. These include:
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Great guilt or shame
Being a burden to others
Feeling:
Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
Displaying extreme mood swings
Eating or sleeping more or less
Using drugs or alcohol more often
By spotting these signs and knowing where to turn, we can make a difference.
How to Access Help
Immediate Crisis: Dial 988 for immediate assistance.
Ongoing Support: Contact BHRS or the Center for Human Services for counseling and referrals.
Veterans: Use the dedicated crisis line for veterans by calling 988 and pressing 1.
Community Connection: Join a local support group through resources like the National Alliance on Mental Health. Call (209) 558-4555 to find groups in Stanislaus County.
What We Can Achieve Together
A Stanislaus County resident recently shared their journey of overcoming depression through BHRS services. "Talking to someone who understood saved my life," they said. Their courage highlights the transformative power of community resources.
Stanislaus County provides various resources to support individuals in crisis and promote mental health awareness. For immediate assistance, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate hotline or service listed above.
If you know a someone who could benefit from these services, share this post with them. Together, we can ensure that every person in Stanislaus County receives the help they need.
Spotlight Summary
Stanislaus County faces significant challenges with suicide, exacerbated by rural isolation and stigma. Immediate help is available through the 988 Lifeline, BHRS, and community programs. By recognizing warning signs, reducing access to lethal means, and fostering connection, we can prevent suicide and save lives. Explore the resources above to support yourself or others in need.
Resumen en Español
En el Condado de Stanislaus, el suicidio afecta profundamente a nuestras comunidades. La línea 988 ofrece ayuda inmediata, y recursos locales como BHRS y el Centro para Servicios Humanos brindan apoyo continuo. Al reconocer las señales de advertencia y conectarse con estos programas, juntos podemos prevenir el suicidio. Llame al 988 o visite los recursos mencionados para obtener ayuda.
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