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We don’t talk about suicide enough.
Between 2018 and 2022, Mendocino County had the highest female suicide rate in the state, according to the California Women’s Well-Being Index. While suicide affects people of all backgrounds, women face unique challenges, especially those in geographically remote areas. Locally, mental health crisis among young people also remains a concern.
When it comes to health and well-being, people avoid talking about suicide. It makes them feel uncomfortable, yet talking about it is one of the best ways to prevent it. Contrary to popular myths, honest conversations don’t plant the idea. Instead, these conversations can open the door to healing by making people feel seen. Avoiding the subject only worsens its stigma and increases the sense of isolation for those who are struggling.
Understanding the risks and the warning signs
In the years since the pandemic, almost 50,000 people have died by suicide per year in the U.S., and this number does not reflect those who make unsuccessful attempts. Although suicide impacts people of all backgrounds, some are at higher risk than others. Suicide rates are higher in rural and underserved communities, partly due to economic hardship and isolation. Risks are also higher among LGBTQ+ individuals, trauma survivors, those who abuse drugs and alcohol, and those with easy access to firearms.
Another at-risk group includes those with higher-than-average adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), defined as physical, emotional, or sexual violence; chronic poverty; substance abuse in the home; and parental separation or divorce.
We can support people at risk of suicide by recognizing the warning signs:
- Mood changes, irritability, or a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in sleep, appetite, concentration, or decision-making
- Withdrawing from friends or family; giving away belongings
- Increased substance use or risky behavior
- Talking or writing about death or making preparations
- A sudden drop in grades or lack of motivation
If someone mentions suicide, no matter how casually, take it seriously. Even if they don’t mention it, if you have any reason to believe they’re struggling, recommend they seek support. If you are struggling, seek support right away. It is far better to ask for help and not need it than the alternative.
Outreach efforts in our community
Savannah Gilchrist, a community health worker with Mendocino Coast Clinics, leads school-based health education on mental health and reproductive health, among other topics.
“We go into the schools and talk to students about what they are going through,” she says. “They learn they are not alone in their struggles.”
She notes that adolescence can be a time of major change and many challenges. “Being a young person is scary, complicated, and hard,” she says. With the pervasiveness of social media and constant access to screen, “they are going through more now than they ever have before.”
Through school visits and partnerships with Mendocino Coast Recreation and Parks District, Gilchrist and others are helping students build social connections and improve their health through sports, ballet, and other extracurriculars. Connection and belonging help our kids survive adolescence. This program connects students with each other and then works on connections for the family. And this school-based project is only a start; we need to find a way to get people talking. Staying silent with emotional suffering can be as deadly as a heart attack.
Resources are available for anyone at anytime
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 24/7
- Redwood Community Crisis Center: 24/7 phone support at 855-838-0404
- Project Sanctuary 24/7 Crisis Hotline: support for domestic violence and sexual assault, 707-964-4357
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ friendly suicide lifeline): 800-488-7386
- I’m Alive (suicide prevention online chat): https://www.imalive.org/
- Mendocino Coast Clinics does not offer crisis services but does offer therapy from an array of behavioral health professionals. 707-964-1251
We know suicide can be almost “contagious,” and our community has seen serial attempts and suicides within peer groups, following the national trend. In partnership with Flockworks, a new summer counselor-in-training program will build connections among teens, with a focus on mental health education and healthy coping skills, all while having fun. Through options like these, “We are trying to give young people a vibrant community to be part of and to turn to,” Gilchrist says.
Locally, there is a network of people and agencies available anytime to assist anyone who seems withdrawn, distressed, or says anything worrying. Trust your instincts when someone doesn’t seem like themselves. Listen to what they are experiencing and let them know you are there for them.
Your presence can make all the difference for someone who is struggling. Being heard and seen is often the key to those in this fragile and vulnerable state.
Lucresha Renteria is the the executive director of Mendocino Coast Clinics.
Would love to be a voice from experience on this issue had a horrible attempt in Oct 2018 in fort Bragg when resources were minimal and 51/50s rarely ended up in a physch eval and it was “involuntary hospitalization for voluntary medicine ” I don’t think much has changed in that regard noting the still non existent bha so called clinic we were promised then and the Mendocino county improvement plan of 2017 clearly stating all social services were in need of major improvement and issues that led directly to my suicide attempt is snowballed from discrimination and ignorance derilict of duty malicious neglegence and total disregard for any mental health needs or information for mental health crisis until their is an actual mobile unit aka like response team or access team like in Sonoma county and others for first responder mental health and a actual crisis program or residential experience available in fort Bragg not to mention the exceptions for social workers since it’s incentive to go work in fort Bragg actually lowers the standard of school and training for them to be social worker status not 4 years university credit down to 6 months of drug classes that’s not help never was didn’t help me and the conflict of interest with peter burtis and Lisa burtis working on opposite ends of redwood crisis and redwood children’s center it was preposterous and insane. I pray John wiser still is not overseeing still and or for rqmc services dan Anderson and company it’s not fair to the woman family’s and children effected and affects whole countys suicide rates and mental health morality down to lower cause these MAJOR ISSUES WONT EVER BE ADDRESSED