What to do if you feel like hurting yourself

Life can definitely feel overwhelming sometimes. And during COVID-19, when we are worried about school, our jobs, our own health, the well-being of those we love, and our overall future, it’s easy to feel sad, anxious, and frustrated. It’s also natural to feel this way because we are dealing with something none of us have experienced before in our lives.

If your bad feelings become strong enough that you are thinking of hurting yourself, there are trained and caring people who can help. You are not alone in feeling this way, and the good news is that lots of young people who had the same feelings at one point have gone on to feel better and do really amazing things for themselves, their families, and their communities.

There are wonderful folks who have dedicated their lives to helping others through their tough moments. You can find and talk to some of them by calling the numbers below:

Alameda County

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
https://www.crisissupport.org/get-help-now/get-help-for-yourself
24 HOUR CRISIS LINE: 1-800-309-2131

Marin County

Buckelew Suicide Prevention
https://buckelew.org/services/marin-county/buckelew-suicide-prevention/
Buckelew Programs’ hotline offers 24/7, free and confidential crisis support for callers having thoughts of suicide, as well as friends and family worried about loved ones. 
24 HOUR CRISIS LINE: 415-499-1100

San Francisco County

San Francisco Suicide Prevention
http://www.sfsuicide.org/
San Francisco Suicide Prevention’s 24-hour Crisis Line provides immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to everyone who calls.  
24 HOUR CRISIS LINE: (415) 781-0500

San Mateo County

Star Vista Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center
https://star-vista.org/programs/#teens-tab
Provides education and crisis intervention services for schools, 24-hour suicide crisis hotline, online teen support and chatroom, alcohol and drug helpline, and parent support hotline.
24/7 HOTLINE: (650) 579-0350

National

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
The 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It provides Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as options for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Línea de Vida Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio ofrece servicios gratuitos en español para alguien que está en crisis o necesita ayuda llame al 1-888-628-9454

Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
The nationwide organization provides a 24-hour phone hotline, as well as limited-hour webchat and text options, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. The Trevor Lifeline is a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 24/7

• Confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor Counselor 24/7
• Confidential text messaging with a Trevor Counselor 24/7 Text START to 678678
• TrevorText can be reached by texting TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200 (available M-F from 3PM to 10PM ET).
  

The Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
https://www.translifeline.org/
The Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive. It provides crisis intervention hotlines, staffed by transgender individuals, for trans and questioning callers.