Santa Clarita mental health experts discussed suicide prevention Monday following what appears to be a growing number of suicides in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Larry Schallert, chair of the Suicide Prevention, Postvention and Wellness Committee, spoke about suicide and it’s contributing factors during the meeting.

Suicide was responsible for nearly 45,000 American deaths in 2016, with approximately 1.1 million people within the United States attempting to take their own life annually, according to the CDC.

Consisting of both mental health experts and City officials, the committee’s recent findings were shared by Schallert with a goal of understanding the complex facets of mental health in the community.

The largest population of Santa Clarita residents committing suicide was previously individuals under the age of the 35 years old, but that has changed, according to the committee’s recent studies.

“Our highest group of suicide in Santa Clarita is now 50 to 59,” Schallert said. “This is a new trend in the city, and our committee is trying to figure out why it is happening.”

Santa Clarita saw 10 suicides last year by individuals ages 50-59, the highest of any age group, he said.  

Related: Boys & Girls Club Of Santa Clarita Valley Hosts Youth Mental Health Symposium

In light of these statistics, the committee has stepped up its work with the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center and other community partners in an effort to lower the number.

“These community programs can work,” Schallert said. “We have seen the number of senior suicide fall from previous years.”

Schallert, who is assistant director of the College of the Canyons Health and Wellness Center, also discussed suicide prevention on the college’s campus.

“This time of the year is the highest risk for our students,” Schallert said. “Midterms during the fall semester is when it all starts to get hard and overwhelming.”

There were three suicides in the COC community in 2017, up from zero the year before, he added.

In 2018 so far, College of the Canyons has had zero suicides, in part due to increased mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs on the Valencia campus, Schallert said.

One such program, “Mental Health First Aid,” is designed to teach students the risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, as well as strategies for how to help someone.

Schallert discussed possible contributing factors to suicide, including child abuse, bullying, sexual violence, other trauma, stress, autism, substance abuse and mental illness.  

In addition, LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to commit suicide, according to officials.

“The biggest ‘warning sign’ is if they have a plan,” Schallert explained. “Try to reach out as soon as you see them acting differently.”

One common misconception that school officials are trying to correct is that asking someone if they are considering suicide means “you are putting the idea in their head,” according to Schallert.

“It’s quite the opposite actually,” he said. “If you ask someone if they are considering suicide, they are a lot less likely to go through with it.”

Reaching out early could make a difference. If someone who is suicidal seeks professional help, it could save their life, he said.

“We know that people can get better, even if it seems really dark and difficult. We know that things get better with help and support,” Schallert said. “There are many options to get help in the community.”

Anyone seeking information about mental health resources available in the Santa Clarita Valley can click here for a list of resources. There are 24-hour phone numbers available. In the event of an emergency, 911 should always be the first call. Those looking to speak with someone can call:

• 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• 1-800-854-7771 for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
• 1-800-784-2433 for the Treatment Advocacy Center
• 661-259-9439 for the SCV Child & Family Center
• 661-296-4444 for the Way Out Recovery SCV 
• 661 212-0720 for Sharon Brubaker – Grief Recovery Specialist
• 661-288-4800 for the Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center
• 661-257-9688 for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project
•  661-803-1641 for Straightening Reins, equine therapy

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