Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness Celebrates National Suicide Prevention Month
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(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month, individuals, organizations, allies and more will be drawing attention to the problem of deaths by suicide and advocating for prevention. Suicide is a national health problem that currently ranks as the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34. On average one person dies by suicide every two hours in California.
The impact of COVID-19 has had a significant impact throughout our community and left feelings of isolation, loneliness, economic impact and job joss, and depression – all which greatly impact the mental health of people and thoughts leading to suicide. At the height of the pandemic, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that one in four adults between the ages of 18-24 said that they have considered suicide because of the pandemic. In a CDC survey of over 5,000 young adults, a surge of anxiety and substance abuse was noted in more than 40% who said they had experienced a mental health or behavioral health condition related to the pandemic.
All around the nation, suicide prevention organizations will be conducting prevention and awareness events. Listed below are several events taking place within Santa Barbara County.
- September 10th, Suicide Prevention Virtual Vigil sponsored by HopeNet Carpinteria. Log on at www.hopenetofcarp.org
- September 13st, Suicide Prevention Month Resolution (BOS Hearing Room, Santa Barbara)
- September 21st, Free Webinar to learn more about the launch of 988. Sponsored by the Glendon Association. More info and registration, coming soon.
- Ongoing. Pacific Pride Foundation PROUD Youth Groups, PROUD Older Adult Group, Counseling. For info, call (805) 963-3636, ext 103
To learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit https://www.countyofsb.org/274/Behavioral-Wellness or our Suicide Awareness and Prevention webpage https://www.countyofsb.org/559/Suicide-Awareness-Prevention. For more information on the Glendon Association and suicide prevention, please visit https://www.glendon.org/
The Behavioral Wellness toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line is available 24/7 at (888) 868-1649. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
