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Butte County Office of Education

Butte County Office of Education

Suicide Prevention

Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide. While not everyone will be directly impacted by suicide, by starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.
 
Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others. By offering immediate counseling to everyone who may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.
 
Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of. Remember, people communicate sadness in different ways. We might hear things or see things that can show us warning signs. 
Here are a few things to look for:  
  • Social media posts hinting at suicide or self-harm
  • Withdrawing from friends, not responding to texts
  • Lack of interest in things your friend used to enjoy
  • Hopelessness - saying things like "nothing will ever change," "it doesn't matter anyway," or "everyone would just be better off without me"
  • They start using or increase their use of drugs or alcohol anxiety symptoms
  • They talk about depression
  • They aren't sleeping/eating
 
And sometimes, you might not notice any of these signs...or they might just say they're fine...so never hesitate to ask how they are doing.
 
We all have the opportunity to do our part by building each other up, creating a culture of support, and stopping the stigma about mental health and suicide.
 

Mental Health Matters - Hope For Change

We all experience different levels of mental health as we go through life, and mental health problems can be very common. In fact, 50% of us will experience a mental health challenge in our lifetime.
 
Good mental health enables people to realize their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and have happy relationships with others.
 
Check out the Mental Health 101 Guide or visit the Each Mind Matters Resource Center for more information and resources. 

Resources

Butte County Office of Education and the greater community are working to serve those impacted by the fires and our current natural disasters. Help is only one phone call or text message away. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or having trouble coping, there is help. If you are in distress or just want to talk about your problems, help is available 24/7.
Need help?

Need help?

If you or someone you know is dealing with a life-threatening emergency call 9-1-1. 

 
National Prevention Lifeline: Text or call 9-8-8
 
Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741
 
CA Youth Crisis Line: 800-843-5200
 
BCOE Trauma Fire Recovery Team: 530-487-4418
 
Behavioral Health Crisis Lines
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
800.334.6622, or
530.891.2810

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800.273.TALK (8255)
Chat online at
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
 
Teen Crisis Line
800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
 
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+)
866.488.7386
 
North Valley Talk Line
11:30am to 9:30pm / 7 days a week
855.582.5554