An Online Guide to Mental & Behavioral Health

Suicide Crisis Hotlines

• The National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE

• The Trevor Project to end suicide among LGBTQ youth 1-866-488-7386

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With over 120 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or for someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.

  National Hopeline Network provides 24-hour emergency support for callers to 1-800-SUICIDE. Callers are seamlessly connected to an available certified crisis center nearest to their calling location.

  The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including a nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline: 866-488-7386.

No suicide attempt or threat should be dismissed or treated lightly!

A suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person's life. No matter the race or age of the person; how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who die by suicide have a mental or emotional disorder. The most common underlying disorder is depression. 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.

Warning Signs of Someone Considering Suicide

Any one of these signs does not necessarily mean the person is considering suicide, but several of these symptoms may signal a need for help:

• Verbal suicide threats such as, "You'd be better off without me." or "Maybe I won't be around"
• Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
• Previous suicide attempt
• Daring or risk-taking behavior
• Personality changes
• Depression
• Giving away prized possessions
• Lack of interest in future plans

Remember: Eight out of ten people considering suicide give some sign of their intentions. People who talk about suicide, threaten suicide, or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves.

If You Think Someone Is Considering Suicide

• Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble
• Talk with the person about your concerns. Communication needs to include LISTENING
• Ask direct questions without being judgmental. Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide. The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk
• Get professional help, even if the person resists
• Do not leave the person alone
• Do not swear to secrecy
• Do not act shocked or judgmental
• Do not counsel the person yourself

Suicide Crisis Hotlines

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With over 120 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or for someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.
• National Hopeline Network provides 24-hour emergency support for callers to 1-800-SUICIDE. Callers are seamlessly connected to an available certified crisis center nearest to their calling location.
• The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including a nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline: 866-488-7386.

Suicide Prevention Resources

• Crisis Support Services of Alameda County suicide prevention 24 hour crisis hotline: (800)309-2131
• The Jed Foundation: Established to prevent suicide on college campuses and focus on the underlying causes of suicide. Convenes higher education and government leaders as well as scientific research and mental health experts in order to design effective prevention programs that reflect the best in current thinking.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Information and education about suicide and depression, programs for suicide survivor treatment, research, and education.
• The Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Provides prevention support, training, and resources to assist organizations and individuals to develop suicide prevention programs, interventions and policies, and to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
• The National Organization of People of Color Against Suicide (NOPCAS): Focuses on increasing suicide awareness and education in populations that are racially and ethically diverse. Additionally, it develops prevention, intervention, and support services to families and communities impacted adversely by the effects of violence, depression and suicide.
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE): A national non-profit agency whose mission is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma, and serve as a resource for those touched by suicide. SAVE utilizes a national multi-media campaign including television and radio ads, indoor and outdoor media, as well as print ads to raise awareness and educate the general public on the link between brain illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder and suicide.
• Samaritans USA: A coalition of 11 non-profit, non-religious Samaritans suicide prevention centers in the United States who respond collectively to almost 250,000 calls annually. Its primary purpose is to further the Samaritans principles of befriending people who are depressed, in crisis and suicidal as practiced on or through our volunteer-staffed crisis response hotlines, public education programs and suicide survivor support groups
• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including a nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.

General Mental Health Resources

The menu on the right will link you to information on specific mental health topics. -->
Below are additional links to excellent websites for mental health information:

• Go Ask Alice: Website operated by Columbia University to answer the questions of college students on issues related to physical health, mental health, and sexuality.
• Half Of Us: This engaging youth-oriented site uses video stories of students and high-profile artists to increase awareness about mental health issues and the importance of getting help.
• Healthyminds.org: This website of the American Psychiatric Association offers a broad array of information on topics related to mental health.
• Helpguide: Website operated by a non-profit organization offers information and resources on a broad range of mental health topics.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): An advocacy group for people living with mental illness and their loved ones. Good source of information and resources on mental health topics.
• ReachOut.com: An information and support service using evidence based principles and technology to help teens and young adults facing tough times and struggling with mental health issues.
• ULifeLine.org: An online resource for college students with information about protecting your emotional health and what to do if you or friends are struggling with mental health issues.
• Student Health 101