Suicide Awareness

Suicide awareness is a growing initiative in our culture and our Church. Suicide prevention and offering comfort to those grieving a loss from suicide can be difficult to navigate. This page offers resources for hope and guidance for those who need it.

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Suicide is one of the leading causes of death. In 2020, nearly 45,000 died by suicide across the nation, while in San Diego County 419 took their own lives, a rate of more than one a day. The pandemic has amplified feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety. Everyone is affected, regardless of age, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or gender.

As church leaders become more aware of the warning signs, and as more mental health professionals see the value of a person’s spirituality in the healing process, appropriate resources within our communities can assist individuals in distress.

We, at the Diocese of San Diego, are committed to breaking the stigma around suicide, helping those who are at risk as well as those left behind. We ask that you please pray with us for the families and communities impacted by this terrible tragedy.

Help & Healing:

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 988 to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.

Ministry Resources:

Contacts

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Wendy Baez
Associate Director
Phone: (858) 490-8295
wbaezEmail at symbolsdcatholic.org
Janelle Peregoy
Associate Director, Separated and Divorced Ministry
Phone: (858) 490-8292
jperegoyEmail at symbolsdcatholic.org
Vivian Toscano
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (858) 490-8299
vtoscanoEmail at symbolsdcatholic.org
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