Are you having thoughts about suicide?
Suicide Prevention
If You Are Having Thoughts of Suicide
Suicide Prevention Resources and Information
If You Are Having Thoughts of Suicide
Contact someone who can help NOW. Call the national suicide prevention lifeline by dialing 988 (live 7/16/22), reach out to a trusted loved one, or choose another resource below.
Students often face challenges and stress that can, over time, begin to feel overwhelming or impossible to cope with. We want you to know that there are resources available to help you cope. There is hope, even if you can't feel it right now.
VIDEO: Warning Signs for Youth (988)
VIDEO: Build a Safety Plan (988)
At Cal Maritime CAPS:
- Call us at 707-654-1170 and tell the front desk that you need to speak to a counselor urgently. After hours, follow the prompts to select option 1 to speak with a health care professional.
- Come to our office (Student Health Center - weekdays 8:30am-5pm) and let the front desk know you need to speak to a counselor urgently. .
Local and National Services – available 24/7:
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) (Services are available in many languages). Para hablar con alguien en espanol: (877) SUICIDA (877-784-2432)
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Text START to 741741 for Crisis Text Line. Available 24/7 in the U.S. (No charge for most plans; may not be accessible on pre-paid phones. Or visit the crisis line for more information.)
- Call the Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ+ young adults)
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Call the Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860
- Call 911- any Emergency Services or Police Department that responds can help you, including Cal Maritime Police Department (707-654-1176 for non-emergencies).
If you or someone you know is an imminent danger to themselves or someone else, go to the nearest emergency department:
Local Hospital Emergency Departments - Open 24/7
Sutter Solano Medical Center
300 Hospital Drive | (707) 554-4444
Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center
975 Sereno Drive | (707) 651-1000
Nearby Inpatient Mental Health Facilities
Solano County Crisis Stabilization Unit
2101 Courage Drive
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 428-1131
Adventist Health Vallejo - Center for Behavioral Health
525 Oregon Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 649-4040
Suicide Prevention Resources and Information
at Cal Maritime
CAPS offers mental health and suicide prevention trainings for members of the Cal Maritime campus community. Learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and what to do if you see them – you could save a life. More information is available on our Outreach page. To schedule a training call the CAPS Director of Counseling, Dr. Ian Wallace, at (707) 654-1174.
In the CSU
The RED FOLDER: The California State University (CSU) system has a resource entitled, the Red Folder, to help faculty and staff identify, respond, and refer students in distress. The CSU recognizes that students seek support and counseling from faculty and staff members whom they have fostered a trusting relationship. For this reason, the Office of the Chancellor is providing each campus with tools that will assist its faculty and staff in connecting distressed students with the appropriate campus services.
State and National Suicide Prevention Resources
Suicide Prevention Resource Center - California
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Suicide Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Students and Suicide
College students can face serious mental and behavioral health issues, including depression and binge drinking. The challenge for mental health professionals is how to identify and help them; nationwide, fewer than 20% of students who die by suicide are past or current clients of their school's counseling center.
However, students who do connect with services often benefit significantly. Cal Maritime surveys have shown that over 75% of those who sought mental health care said services helped them stay in school and improve academic performance.
For more information vist the The JED Foundation, the leading national organization for the mental health of teens and young adults. #StopTheStigma
Why Do People Consider Suicide?
Because each individual is unique, there is no single reason why someone has suicidal thoughts or may attempt to kill themselves. Factors that may contribute to having suicidal thoughts are:
- A major life transition that is very upsetting or disappointing
- A loss of an important relationship or the death of a loved one
- Depression, anxiety or other serious emotional troubles
- Feelings of hopelessness or despair
- Low self-esteem or shame
- Failure to live up to one's own or others' expectations
- Extreme loneliness
- News of a major medical illness
- Severe physical or emotional pain
- Alcohol or drug problems
Warning Signs
There are many verbal and nonverbal warning signs that someone may be suicidal and crying out for help. These warning signs include:
- Extended depression, sadness or uncontrolled crying
- Giving away personal or prized possessions
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Lack of interest in personal appearance
- Withdrawal from friends
- Lack of energy or ambition
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Increased risky behaviors
- Hopelessness and helplessness
- Remarks like: "It'll be over soon," "I can't take it anymore," "I have no reason to go on," "My life will never get better," or "People will be better off without me." Read more about responding to these comments on social media.
- Disclosure of previous suicide attempts
- A recent loss or trauma from which a person is not recovering
Suicide Myths and Facts
People who talk about suicide won't really do it.
Fact: Almost everyone who attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Don't ignore suicide statements.
If a person's going to attempt suicide, nothing will stop them.
Fact: Most who attempt suicide remain uncertain of the decision until the final moment. Most suicidal people don't wish for death – they wish for the pain to stop.
People who complete suicide are unwilling to seek help.
Fact: Studies show that more than half of suicide victims sought professional help within six months of their death.
Anyone who attempts suicide must be psychotic or insane.
Fact: Most people who complete suicide aren't psychotic, although many are depressed.
Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
Fact: Talking about suicide doesn't give someone suicidal thoughts – the opposite is true. Bringing up the subject and talking about it is one of the most helpful things you can do. It helps a suicidal person feel understood and shows you understand the suffering the person's experiencing.
Ways to Help
Listen: Help a suicidal friend to talk about whatever is painful or distressing and offer them emotional support.
Express Your Concern: Encourage them to contact others who could be supportive.
Ask Directly: Ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts, plans, or intentions. Listen to what is said and treat it seriously.
Help Someone To Stay Safe: If they are in immediate danger, stay with them and call a Resident Hall Officer (RHO), local police, or the University Health Service for urgent assistance.
Encourage The Person To Seek Help: You may want to offer to accompany them to talk to the RHO, a CAPS Counselor, or medical professional at Student Health Services.
Talk with A Clinician or Someone Else You Trust: This way you can share the responsibility with others, attend to your own need for support, and check out how you can continue to be of help.