Community Corner

Before Suicide: Knowing the Signs of Emotional Distress

A message from the Milpitas Police Department, which serves the city as an emergency resource for individuals in emotional crisis.

Traditional stresses like the death of a loved one, the end of a romantic relationship, change in employment, or moving are likely to be taxing on a person’s emotional well-being. Recent economic recession, job loss, and financial hardships have added to or heightened the effect of everyday stress many in our community currently experience.

A great number of disturbances and police calls for service involve, at their root, an individual in crisis. The Milpitas Police Department encourages individuals, family, friends, peers, and colleagues to reach out and report crisis events early – before situations escalate to the point that a person has opportunity to harm themselves or others. 

We especially encourage people to be mindful and pay attention to youth displaying signs of emotional crisis and/or depression. Without the advantage of longer life experience and the completion of emotional development, young people frequently experience unrestricted emotional reactions to life events and are more susceptible to feelings of isolation in times of crisis. Isolation may lead to hopelessness. Hopelessness can lead to suicide attempts. 

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Know the signs and symptoms of emotional crisis and threats of suicide:

  •  Low energy
  •  Losing interest in things a person used to enjoy
  •  Loss of or difficulty with concentration
  •  Finding it difficult to be positive
  •  Irritated at others 
  •  Criticism 
  •  Lack of self-esteem
  •  Isolation
  •  Use of drugs or alcohol to escape
  •  Any dramatic change in behavior
  •  Statements about wishing one had never been born or wants to die.

If you or someone you know appears to de depressed, in an emotional crisis, or is considering suicide contact the police by calling 9-1-1, call a suicide crisis line, mental health department, family service agency, counselor or clergy.

Find out what's happening in Milpitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Local resources in Santa Clara County include but are not limited to:

EMQ Children & Family Services  408-379-9085 or 877-41-CRISIS

Emergency Psychiatric Services at VMC 408-885-6100

County Suicide and Crisis Center (Toll Free) 855-278-4204

Contact Cares Crisis Line 408-850-6125

Center for Living with Dying 408-243-0222

Alum Rock Counseling Center 408-294-0500 or

24/7 Crisis Line 408-294-0579


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