Since 1964 Crisis Clinic has provided immediate and confidential assistance to families in King County who are in emotional distress and in need of help. In 2008 Crisis Clinic answered 192,000 calls for help.

Crisis Clinic’s services include:

• 24-Hour Crisis Line: Often called the “9-1-1” for emotional crisis, it is one of the nation’s oldest crisis lines. Professionally trained volunteers answer the Crisis Line and confidentially listen to callers about whatever is going on. Whether someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, seeking help for a mental illness, experiencing relationship or financial problems, concerned about a family or friend, or considering suicide, the Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2008 the Crisis Line answered 83,000 calls for help.
• 2-1-1 Community Information Line: Families in King County can simply dial “2-1-1” to receive help finding health and human services such as rent and utility assistance, shelter, food or in-home care. In 2008 Crisis Clinic’s 2-1-1 answered 108,000 calls for help.
• Teen Link: Crisis Clinic’s teen empowerment program, operates a confidential help line for teens, answered by teens, and conducts suicide prevention presentations throughout King County schools. The Teen Link help line answered 1,000 calls in 2008, and trained 6,000 teens in King County schools. Teen Link’s motto is “talk it out”. No problem is too big, or too small. www.866teenlink.org
  

SUICIDE FACTS & PREVENTION

One of Crisis Clinic’s primary goals is suicide prevention. We believe in empowering those who are considering suicide by helping them choose life and find other ways to stop their pain. Educating our community about the frequency in which suicide is chosen by our friends, neighbors and family members as the way out helps us understand the seriousness of this issue. Here are some Washington State and King County statistics.

• Statewide 857 people committed suicide in 2007; 223 occurred in King County.
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds in Washington State, with 105 teens committing suicide in 2007.
• In King County, in 2007, 19% of suicides were committed by adults 60 years and older. 29% of suicides were committed by adults ages 40-49.
• On average, 85% of suicides are male, 15% female.
• In King County, in 2007, 42% of suicidal deaths resulted from the use of firearms.

Sources: Washington State Department of Health, 2007 King County Medical Examiner's Office Annual Report.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Despite these grim statistics, suicide is preventable. Most people (about 80%) who commit suicide give verbal or behavioral clues to the impending event and the # 1 cause of suicide is untreated depression. Visit Crisis Clinic’s Website for information on Warning Signs.

If you are concerned about someone, or need help yourself, help is available. Crisis Clinic is a resource for those in emotional distress, and for family and friends who have questions or concerns about someone they love.

• Call Crisis Clinic’s 24-Hour Crisis Line (206-461-2222 or 866-4CRISIS (424-4747)
• View Crisis Clinic’s website for intervention strategies

Have you lost a loved one to suicide?

It doesn’t matter how recent or how long ago the death occurred… if coping with the pain and sorrow has been difficult for you, Crisis Clinic’s Survivors of Suicide (SOS) support group is here to help. Survivors of Suicide drop-in group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm., including all holidays, at Crisis Clinic’s business office in Seattle.

SOS provides a safe environment where survivors can share feelings about their loss while learning ways of coping from one another. The group is lead by a mental health professional. For more information about the groups, or for immediate support, call the 24-Hour Crisis Line: 206-461-3222 or 866-4CRISIS (866.427.4747)