Suicide Prevention Center

Are you or someone you know feeling suicidal?

Call our 24-hour Suicide Crisis Line:

(877) 727-4747

Toll free in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties.

How to tell if someone is suicidal:

Warning Signs

• Developing a specific plan for suicide (the number one predictor of suicide risk)
• Threatening suicide, expressing suicidal feelings directly or bringing up the topic of suicide
• Signs of depression: loss of pleasure, sad mood, alterations in sleeping or eating patterns, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, agitation, feelings of failure or shame
• Giving away prized possessions, settling affairs, making out a will
• Changes in behavior (poor work or school performance)
• Risky behaviors
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Social isolation

Risk Factors

• Having attempted suicide in the past
• Having lost a loved one to suicide
• A recent loss or threat of loss, for example: the death of a loved one or an idol/role model; divorce, separation, or a broken relationship; the loss of a job, a house, a business, money, or social status; loss of health to serious, progressive, or painful illness; diminished self-esteem or self-confidence
• Losing all hope in the future ('Things will never get better'; 'Life feels like an open sore that’s never going to heal')

What you can do to Help:

• Take suicidal thoughts seriously
• Listen with empathy
• Express concern
• Avoid judgmental comments
• Ask for details about suicide plan
• Remove lethal means from person’s home
• Help develop a safety plan
• Inform friends and family who can help
• Share the resource of 1-800-SUICIDE]

Many people  think about suicide at some point in their lives  In fact, a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that over 8 million people think about suicide each year.  People can experience lots of problems such as relationship issues, financial challenges, health concerns, loss or a mental illness. Whatever the concern, sometimes dealing with life’s problems can feel overwhelming and when people feel totally alone and hopeless about their future, that hopelessness can be unbearable.  For some, suicide can seem like a way to end the pain and hopelessness they are experiencing.  They may begin to say things like “people would be better off without me,” or “I just want the pain to stop.” They may have trouble sleeping, eating or getting out of bed. They may find themselves abusing drugs or alcohol or starting to give away their belongings. These can be serious signs that a person is at risk for suicide.

The good news is that most people who are thinking about suicide decide to live.  Somehow they find ways to cope with the pain they are experiencing and  eventually come to see their crisis is temporary while death is permanent. The staff of the Suicide Prevention Center (

SPC) believe that the best way to prevent suicide is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people to feel comfortable talking about how they are feeling without being judged.  The Suicide Prevention Center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline for those who are thinking about suicide or worried about someone who is.  Individuals who have lost someone to suicide can also call to discuss their feelings.  SPC also offers support groups for those who have survived a suicide attempt or who are dealing with persistent suicidal thoughts as well as for those who have lost someone to suicide.  SPC can also provide educational workshops on suicide

• Make a donation today
• Request a work place educational presentation
• Help by volunteering! We are currently in need of individuals to answer calls on out 24-hour Crisis Line. Training begins soon so act now!
  Click here to find out how to volunteer