One of the leading causes of death in the United States, suicide affects people of all ages and the rate is increasing. More than 4,300 Californians committed suicide in 2022 (USA Facts) — that’s about 10.4 suicides for every 100,000 people in California. Suicide Prevention Month throughout September aims to raise awareness, promote prevention strategies, and provide resources to help combat this mental health issue.

Experts at California Poison Control System (CPCS) say suicide is preventable, and help is available. Following are some strategies that can and should be taken to help save the life of someone you care about who might be exhibiting suicidal tendencies.

Dial 988 to call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

Keep prescription and over-the-counter medicines locked in a safe place.

Know what medicines you have and how much you have of each.

Limit the amount of medicines someone has access to in the home.

Discuss medicine safety with teens who self-administer medication.

Dispose of expired or unused medicine at take back events, pharmacies, and local police stations.

Store alcohol, potential poisons, and hazardous products in locked cabinets.

Educate children and teens about safe alcohol use.

Be aware of hidden alcohols in other household products (mouthwash, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, etc.).

Call the Poison Helpline 24/7/365 at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect self-harm by poisoning.

If someone is having a seizure, trouble breathing, cannot be awakened, or is having another severe life-threatening emergency, they require immediate medical attention so call 911 immediately.

The Poison Hotline experts can help when people attempt suicide or self-harm by poisoning. They can also provide treatment recommendations for poison exposure cases. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Follow CPCS on Facebook, on YouTube @californiapoisoncontrol, and on X @poisoninfo. Sign up for The California Poison Safety Post, California Poison Control System’s quarterly electronic newsletter, by visiting calpoison.org/newsletters. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.