INJURY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION (IVP) BRANCH

August 28, 2024 – New 2024 Social Media Shareables (PDF)!

Social Media Shareables

Every person and organization in California can play a role in suicide prevention. The 2024 Social Media Shareables have been created for use on social media channels, websites, emails, and more. Each post provides important information and a call to action that can help spread awareness on suicide warning signs, effective prevention strategies, sources of support, and more. Shareables are included as a PDF toolkit that includes images with suggested post text, and as standalone images ready for download.

2024 OSP Social Media Shareables (PDF)

Statistics

Statistic 1: California	Suicide is a leading cause of death in California. It is also preventable. Support your community by sharing the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support.
Statistic 2: Rural California	On average, rural California counties face a suicide rate nearly double the state average. You can help make a difference and support those in crisis. Share the 24/7 free and confidential Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8.
Statistic 3: Women	In 2022, there were nearly twice as many suicides as homicides among 10-24 year-old females in California. Your actions can help save a life: Listen openly and without judgement Ask directly whether they are thinking of suicide and whether they have a plan Secure objects like firearms and medication Reassure, comfort, and support Follow-up in person or by calling or texting

Myth Vs. Reality

Myth Vs. Reality 1: Time of Year	Many people believe suicides increase around the holidays, but June, July and August typically have the most suicide deaths compared to other months. December has the fewest. Find support for yourself or someone you care about, call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Myth Vs. Reality 2: Talk About It	Research shows talking about suicidal thoughts can be a relief to someone who's struggling with them. Let's break the stigma around sharing difficult feelings and mental health struggles. Call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support, 24/7.
Myth Vs. Reality 3: A Complex Issue	Many factors contribute to suicide, such as mental health challenges, substance use issues, physical health concerns, money problems and relationship problems. No matter the struggle, help is available. Call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Formal Informational

Formal 1: Lethal Means Safety	Most periods of suicidal crisis are fairly short. Create time for intervention or for the crisis to pass by locking away items such as firearms, medication, and sharp objects. Lethal means safety is a powerful suicide prevention tool. For more information, visit MHSOAC Website.
Formal 2: Warning Signs	Individuals considering suicide may not reach out for help. By being aware of the warning signs, you could make a difference and potentially save a life. If you notice these warning signs in someone you know, seek help immediately. Call or text the free, confidential Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, available 24/7. To learn more, visit the Know the Signs Website.
Formal 3: We Can All Play a Role	You can help save a life. Learn suicide warning signs, securely store potentially harmful items, trust your instincts to ask directly about suicidal thoughts and memorize the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number so help is just a phone call or text away. To learn more, visit the Know the Signs Website.

Formal 4: Help is Available (Image Carousel or Reel)
You can help save a life. Become familiar with suicide warning signs and securely store potentially harmful items. Trust your instincts to ask directly about suicidial thoughts and memorize the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number so help is just a phone call or text away.

Formal information on when help is available

Formal information on when help is availabl

Prompt Posts

Prompt 1: Talk Openly	Research shows talking about suicide can be a relief for someone who may be having suicidal thoughts by letting them know someone cares to listen and connect. Let's break the stigma around sharing difficult feelings and situations. Not sure what to say? Free support is available at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7, just call or text 9-8-8. To learn more, visit the Know the Signs Website.
Prompt 2: Older Adults	Depression, grief over the passing of loved ones, chronic illness and isolation may all add to older adults' risk of suicide. Check in with your older friends and family to keep them a part of your life and community. The Friendship line offers free and confidential support for adults age 60+. Call 1-888-670-1360.
Prompt 3: Create Time & Distance	Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. Keep loved ones going through a crisis safe by locking up medications, firearms, and sharp objects. Putting time and distance between a person in crisis and these types of objects can save a life. Call or text 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support.
Prompt 4: Listen	One of the most important and helpful things you can do is listen. Actively listen, without judgement, criticism or prejudice, to the person who is struggling. Free, confidential support is available. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, 24/7.
Prompt 5: Ripple Effect	Suicide can have a profound impact on families and communities, with a close effect on up to 30 people and an outward impact upwards of 135 people. Let's spread hope. We all have a role to play in suicide prevention. Learn more at Know the Signs Website.

Protect Mental Health

Protect Mental Health 1: Take a Mental Moment	Take a mental moment to think of one small thing that protects your mental health. It could be connecting with others, being in nature, exercising, journaling, listening to music, or a number of other things. Commit to taking a few moments each day or week to enjoy this activity. You are worth it.
Protect Mental Health 2: Be Patient	Maintaining your mental health takes time, and setbacks are a normal part of the journey. Embrace the process and commit to being kind and compassionate to yourself.

Suicide Prevention Terms

Terms: Suicide Prevention (Image Carousel or Reel)
Suicide is preventable and takes effort for the entire community - including you! Swipe to learn common suicide prevention terms that focus on resilience, support, and hope.