Nationally renowned psychologist Dr. Mark Goulston, M.D. spoke on “Breaking Through to a Suicidal Mind” at College of the Canyons for day one of the “Shine A Light” suicide prevention and awareness event.

The two-day event began Tuesday with Goulston’s keynote address.  

“What suicide is, it’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” said Goulston at the beginning of his address. “But at that moment, it doesn’t seem that temporary.”

Throughout the two-day event over 1,000 paper lanterns filled the college’s Honor Grove — each lantern representing a college student that died from suicide in the United States over the past year.

At the event, staff from the college’s Student Health & Wellness Center as well as other local mental health agencies are set to distribute information about suicide prevention, awareness, coping with depression and how to access other key mental health care resources, both on campus and in the community.

On Wednesday, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., representatives from various organizations will be located at the college’s flagpole distributing resources and support for students.

The National Suicide Lifeline is scheduled to appear Wednesday distributing flashlights to students.

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

• 661-257-9688 for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project

• 661-263-9371 for Straightening Reins, equine therapy