the holiday season can be emotionally challenging for some individuals. There are heightened expectations, social pressures and reminders of personal struggles. Also, the holiday season can be a reminder of loved ones that are no longer with us. While the world around them may be filled with cheer, those grappling with depression may find it harder to connect with the joy that seems so abundant.
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) wants you to know that you are not alone. The Office of Suicide Prevention is an expansion of DBH prevention and early intervention efforts. This administrative office focuses on educating the community about suicide prevention with a message of hope and resources.
Pain isn’t always obvious, but most people show signs when they are thinking about suicide. Warning signs may appear in conversations, through a person’s actions or in social media posts. Warning signs include, but are not limited to:
- Talking about wanting to die or suicide
- Uncontrolled anger
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Reckless behavior
- Feeling hopeless, desperate or trapped
- No sense of purpose
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Putting affairs in order
The Office of Suicide Prevention offers opportunities to learn more about suicide prevention and become better equipped to assist a person who may be suffering a suicide crisis.
- safeTALK: This 3-hour training prepares participants to recognize and support a person with thoughts of suicide. Participants will become a “safeTALK-trained suicide alert helper.”
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST): This 2-day workshop is designed for all community members. This training will enhance a person’s ability to assist a person at risk of suicide.
- Suicide Awareness Presentation: An introduction to suicide awareness and prevention.
The Suicide Prevention Awareness Subcommittee is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting mental health resources. To join or learn more, contact the Office of Suicide Prevention.
The county and department are here and available for anyone struggling to overcome suicidal crisis or mental-health related distress. The Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) is a community-based mobile crisis response team for children and adults experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
The Community Crisis Response Team is available in English and Spanish 24/7/365 by calling 1-800-398-0018 or by texting 909-420-0560. For more information on mental health and substance use disorders services in San Bernardino County, call 1-888-743-1478, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For administrative questions regarding this office, please email dbh-osp@dbh.sbcounty.gov.
If you would like to learn more, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/osp/.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline understands that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, there are caring counselors available. You are not alone.
Additional County Update News – December 5, 2024
- Board adopts new county flag
- Board actions, Dec. 3, 2024
- County sells surplus flood control land
- County’s success in serving the homeless includes housing for a woman and her son
- Beam signing marks next phase of Valley Communications Center project
- Workforce Board inspires youth to explore career paths in county
- Historic María Merced Williams and John Rains House serves as backdrop for county marriage services
- Behind the Ballot: Celebrating the dedication of San Bernardino County election workers
- County marks ninth anniversary of Dec. 2, 2015, terrorist attack
- Solid waste experts host international tour of local facilities
- San Bernardino County destinations: Lake Gregory Regional Park
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Ontario
- Things to Do
- Pet of the Week
- Jobs of the Week