Suicide and Crisis Services - Mental Health Services (DEP)

Suicide & Crisis Hotline
(408) 279-3312 (Central County)
(650) 494-8420 (North County)
(408) 683-2482 (South County)

Suicide and Crisis Center
Mental Health Program Specialist: Gabby Olivarez, M.A.

The Suicide and Crisis Services of Santa Clara County (SACS) provides a crisis hotline where highly trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day to talk with individuals in crisis. The goal of SACS is to assist in defusing and de-escalating the crisis and helping to return the individual to his/her usual level of functioning. Services are always available in English and in several other languages through a translator.

In addition, SACS provides a cost-free drop-in Survivors of Suicide Support Group (SOS) where adults who have lost a loved one to suicide can meet weekly to process some of the thought and feelings they are experience as a result of their loss.

For the meeting times, place, and further information about SACS, please call: (408) 885-6216

Goal Statement
To provide immediate and confidential emotional support and crisis intervention to people in life-threatening situations and to educate the community about suicide and suicide prevention

Population Served
We serve all residents of Santa Clara County

Funding Source
Suicide and Crisis Service is funded exclusively through State Mental Health monies administered by the County of Santa Clara. The program is an integral part of Santa Clara County mental health services

Program

A 24-hour telephone service utilizes volunteers specially trained to work with suicidal clients
The Survivor of Suicide Group provides support to grieving families and friends

Objectives

Recruit, select, train and supervise volunteer staff to operate the 24-hour crisis line and to assist clients effectively in their understanding and diffusion of suicidal feelings
Mobilize police and emergency medical procedures for clients as necessary. Maintain up-to-date resource bank for client referrals
Maintain up-to-date resource bank for client referrals

Serving the needs of the residents of Santa Clara County for over 25 years

Suicide Risk Factors

Most suicidal individuals want to live; however, they are unable to see alternatives to their presenting pain.
Many suicidal individuals give prior warning signs of their suicidal intent; however, the general public is often unaware of these signs or what to do about them.
Suicide happens in all ethnic, economic, social, gender, and age groups.

THE C.P.R. OF SUICIDE INTERVENTION

(C) Current Plan-Method and Timing

Like any goal, the more developed the plan, the more likely it is to be carried out.
The person contemplating suicide has as their goal, ending the pain they are feeling.
The more detailed the plan, having decided how (what method), having acquired the means, deciding when and where they will kill themselves, the more likely they are to bring about their own death.

(P) Pain (Emotional, psychological, or physical)

Someone with a chronic history of emotional, psychological or physical pain is more at risk for completing a suicide than the general population. Emotional pain is often caused by feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, despair, etc. Chronic physical pain is likely found in seniors – which have the highest percentage of suicide completions.

(R) Resources, Internal and External

We all have internal and external resources. People in a crisis often lack the ability to access their internal resources (faith, hope, beliefs, etc.). A person who lacks external resources (friends, family members and meaningful relationships) is someone who may feel isolated and alone. The person at risk for suicide is often unable to perceive the existence of either internal resources, even if they are available. The person’s perception of not having either set of resources contributes to an overall sense of hopelessness.

Warning Signs

Verbal threats (statements) of suicide
Dramatic changes in mood or behavior
Making preparations/getting affairs in order
Preoccupation with death/dying
Previous attempts
Isolation/withdrawal
Loss of interest in work, school, favorite activities
Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
Feel hopeless/help[less
Taking unnecessary risks, impulsive, reckless
Drastic behavioral changes
Unwilling to connect with those who could potentially help

What to do?

Listen
Show concern
Get help
Be direct—talk openly about suicide
Learn the warning signs

Who can help?

Suicide and Crisis Center
School Counselor or Psychologist
Community Mental Health Agency
Private Therapist
Family Physician
Clergy
Law Enforcement

What to avoid?

Making a moral judgment
Giving advice
Offering simple solutions
Keeping the suicide plan a secret
Trying to solve the problem yourself

Risk Factors / Indicators of Suicide

Mood / Affect
Mood /affect (Depressed, desperate, angry, guilty, worthless, lonely, sad, hopeless, low self-esteem, impulsivity)
Sudden change in mood / affect – lack of physical energy
Long term depression with sudden change to good spirits
Feels helpless with no hope for the future
Withdrawal, numbness, disoriented, unable to function, extreme guilt

History

Prior history of attempt
Prior family history of attempts
Prior attempts by significant role model
Sudden change in life circumstances (divorce, death of a loved one, moved, health, loss of job, relationship issues, etc.)

Communications

Makes direct statements about wanting to die ( “I wish I were dead”)
Hints at a means and a plan (“All my problems will end soon”)
Fantasizes about how to kill him/herself (“no one can help me now”)
Focuses on negative statements concerning living (I just can’t take anymore”)

Behavioral Patterns

Giving away personal items (putting affairs in order)
Sudden and excessive use of drugs/alcohol – reckless behavior
Sudden change in sleeping or eating habits – truancy
Lack of interest/pleasure in things (physical health complaints)

Lack of Resources

Internal (faith, self esteem, hope, religion, beliefs, optimism, responsibility etc.)
External (family, friends, counselors, interns, therapists, clergy etc.)

High Risk Indicators

Current Plan (Time, means, place, etc.)
Pain (severe emotional, physical, or mental pain)
Resources (Internal or External )

SACS provides a cost-free “Survivors of Suicide” support croup which meets weekly where loved ones of someone who has committed suicide can come process the thoughts and feelings they are experiencing as a result of their loves one’s death.
For more information on the Survivors of Suicide support group, call: (408) 885-6216