Resources

Resources for Survivors of Suicide Loss in San Diego

Help is available for survivors of suicide loss in San Diego. Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by using the links provided here. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, please call the Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. Trained and experienced counselors are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to provide support, referrals, and crisis intervention. You can also call the Access and Crisis Line if you are concerned about someone, just need to talk, have questions about how to offer support, or if you are looking for information about community resources, mental health referrals, and alcohol and drug support services. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

  • Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL)
    Phone: (619) 482-0297
    SOSL provides self-help support groups for those who have lost a relative or friend through suicide. Support materials and a quarterly newsletter are available either electronically or in hard copy. A speaker’s bureau provides information on suicide issues and prevention of suicide.

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – San Diego Chapter
    Phone: 855-869-AFSP (2377)  
    The AFSP San Diego Chapter is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. The Chapter offers educational programs for highs schools, colleges, professionals and community groups. The Chapter’s Survivor Outreach Program provides survivors and their families with support and reassurance that surviving a suicide loss is possible.

  • Conversations Matter
    These tips from the Hunter Institute of Mental Health in Australia provide guidance for handling safe and effective conversations after a suicide death. They include basic tips on what to say and do for a person who lost someone close to them to suicide, as well as when you are worried someone you know may be thinking about suicide.  

  • Speaking of Suicide
    This website for suicidal individuals, their loved ones, loss survivors, and mental health professionals.  It includes information on how to talk with children about the suicide, a comprehensive book list, and much more.

  • SOS: A handbook for survivors of suicide (PDF)
    A pocket-sized quick reference booklet for suicide loss survivors from the American Association of Suicidology. The booklet may be downloaded freely or print copies can be purchased through the AAS website. Also available in Spanish.

  • Surviving a suicide loss: A financial guide (PDF)
    In the aftermath of loss, it can be especially difficult to make sound financial decisions. This guide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention describes how to take inventory, settle the estate, work with advisors and set a year of financial milestones.

  • Surviving after Suicide (PDF)
    A survivor of suicide is a family member or friend of a person who died by suicide. This fact sheet describes the common emotions and feelings of grief experienced by survivors of suicide and offers resources through the American Association of Suicidology.