Suicide Prevention

If you or someone else may be in danger, act now:

• Call or text 988
• Call 911 for emergency services
• Go to the nearest emergency room
• Ask a trusted person to stay with you or help you get care

• Spanish: 1-888-628-9454
• LGBTQ+ support (Trevor Lifeline): 1-866-488-7386
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
• TTY users: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255

• Do not leave them alone
• Call or text 988 for guidance
• Call 800-952-2335 for the Santa Cruz County Mobile Crisis Response Team (Available 24/7 to all Santa Cruz County residents)
• Help them contact a doctor or mental health professional
• Take them to an emergency room or call 911 if needed

Listen without judgment. Take all concerns seriously.

People at risk for suicide may show signs in what they say, do, or post online. Act quickly if the behavior is new, has increased, or follows a loss or major change. Trust your instincts and reach out.

Common warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
• Looking for ways to end their life
• Strong or ongoing thoughts about suicide
• Feeling hopeless, trapped, or in deep emotional pain
• Saying they feel like a burden to others
• Giving away belongings or putting affairs in order
• Taking risks or acting recklessly
• Showing anger, rage, or thoughts of revenge
• Using more drugs or alcohol
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Feeling anxious, panicked, or agitated
• Changes in sleep (too little, too much, or nightmares)
• Sudden mood changes, especially after sadness
• Saying they have no purpose or reason to live

Need help now?

If you or someone you know needs support in a time of crisis, call 800-952-2335 and follow the prompts for Mobile Crisis Response Team services.

If you have a medical emergency or are in immediate danger to yourself or others, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

HELP IS 3 NUMBERS AWAY

211 — Call for information and Community Resources. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

211 maintains a comprehensive database of community resources and provides information and referrals for essential needs like:

• Food
• Housing and Shelter
• Utility Assistance
• Healthcare Services
• Government Services

It can also connect people with information and referrals for:

• Transportation
• Legal Services
• Counseling and Support Groups
• Disaster Aftercare
• Everything Else

911 — Call for Emergencies

911 can also connect people with information and referrals for:

• Medical Emergency
• Fire
• Reporting a Crime
• Disaster Response
• Life Threatening Situation

988 — Call, text, or chat for free, non-judgmental suicide intervention and crisis support, or if you just need to talk. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

988 provides crisis support for:

• Thoughts of Suicide
• Mental Health Crisis
• Substance Use Crisis
• Emotional Distress