Embracing life after attempted suicide

Anita Lightfoot

County of San Diego Communications Office

Suicide is a leading cause of death in San Diego County and across the country. Nationally, 48,183 people died by suicide in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes. In San Diego County, 358 people died by suicide in 2021.

Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity of socio-economic background. Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition.

Suicide and attempted suicide can be devastating for surviving family and friends who may experience prolonged grief, shock, anger, guilt, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide themselves.

Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Access & Crisis Line at 888-724-7240, seven days a week/24 hours a day. Assistance is available in multiple languages. You can also call the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Suicide prevention trainings to recognize warning signs, provide resource information, and assist loved ones through open and direct communication are offered free of charge. To find out more, visit http://www.SPCSanDiego.org to sign up for or host a training session.