Suicide awareness is a growing initiative in our culture and our Church. Suicide prevention and offering comfort to those grieving a loss from suicide can be difficult to navigate. This page offers resources for hope and guidance for those who need it.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death. In 2020, nearly 45,000 died by suicide across the nation, while in San Diego County 419 took their own lives, a rate of more than one a day. The pandemic has amplified feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety. Everyone is affected, regardless of age, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or gender.
As church leaders become more aware of the warning signs, and as more mental health professionals see the value of a person’s spirituality in the healing process, appropriate resources within our communities can assist individuals in distress.
We, at the Diocese of San Diego, are committed to breaking the stigma around suicide, helping those who are at risk as well as those left behind. We ask that you please pray with us for the families and communities impacted by this terrible tragedy.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
San Diego Access & Crisis Line
A suicide prevention/intervention hotline (888-724-7240) available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Provides mental health crisis intervention and information and referral to mental health services in San Diego County, including referrals to mental health care professionals who accept Medi-Cal and those who do not have health insurance.
Trevor Lifeline
A suicide prevention counseling service for the LGBTQ community can be reached at 866-488-7386.
Survivors of Suicide Loss San Diego
Reaches out to and supports people who have lost a loved one to suicide. SOSL’s goal is to give survivors a place where they can be comfortable expressing themselves, a place to find support, comfort, resources, and hope in a judgment-free environment.
When a Loved One Dies by Suicide: Comfort, Hope, and Healing for Grieving Catholics
When a Loved One Dies by Suicide was written by Catholics who have lost a loved one due to suicide. The contributors share their personal stories of loss, of learning to cope with the crushing grief, of finding comfort in faith and community, and of discovering hope as they began to move forward again.
Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders, edited by Ed Shoener and Bishop John Dolan
The Mental Health Ministry Network (MHMN) is a collaboration between the Diocese of San Diego, local parishes and affiliated groups to provide resources regarding treatment options and provide community education surrounding mental illness and its stigma. The goal of MHMN is to accompany those who are suffering both clinically and through specific circumstances.
sdcatholic.org
