Suicide Prevention Resources

Vallecito Union School District recognizes the importance of recognizing warning signs for suicide to prevent, intervene, and provide post-care for students who have considered or attempted suicide.

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Warning Signs

Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself.
Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
Sleeping too little or too much.
Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.

Here's What You Can Do

LISTEN	Assess for suicidal risk. Listen without judgement. Ask open-ended questions.
PROTECT	Take action immediately. Supervise, do not leave your child alone. Consider developing a safety plan at school and home, if needed.
CONNECT	Communicate and collaborate with your child’s school administration, mental health personnel or counselor for support. Contact Department of Mental Health, law enforcement or protective services, as needed. Help your child identify adult they trust at home and at school.
MODEL	Remain calm. Establish a safe environment to talk about suicide. Be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and reactions as you listen without judgement.
TEACH	Learn the warning signs and risk factors and provide information and education about suicide and self-injury. Encourage help seeking behaviors and help your child identify adults they can trust at home and at school. Seek options for school and community resources including referrals to professional mental health services, as needed.

Resources

Calaveras County Office of Education: Student Mental Health Resources
The Calaveras County Office of Education supports Student Mental Health in collaboration with many other county agencies. CCOE provides mental health resources and training for school staff, students and families; and supports districts’ efforts to respond to student mental health needs.

California Healthy Kids Resources Center
Contains peer-reviewed research-based programs, videos, and books on suicide prevention and intervention. To access these materials, click on "Health Education Library" and use the keyword "suicide." These materials can be borrowed from the resource center for four weeks with free delivery anywhere in California.

Erika's Lighthouse
Our mission is to make sure no young person feels alone in their depression. We are dedicated to creating a community of empathy and education. We create middle school and high school teen depression awareness programs so educators and teens can create safe spaces to learn about depression, letting students know they are never alone, and there is somewhere to turn.

Trevor Project
If you are thinking about suicide or are feeling alone and need someone to talk to, please call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386 for immediate help. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

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