Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center
Simi Valley Youth Council's Worth Living For Gallery
In September 2020, the Simi Valley Youth Council invited the community to participate in its Worth Living For community art campaign to spread positive messages of hope and help while raising awareness of suicide prevention resources. The images on this page represent the art work received, representing a variety of mediums.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. Every year, the Simi Valley Youth Council develops a suicide prevention campaign to raise awareness of mental health resources in the community and reduce suicide attempts. This campaign also worked to reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance with mental health conditions. In addition to Worth Living For, this year’s campaign also included a proclamation by the Simi Valley City Council declaring September as Suicide Prevention month.
The Simi Valley Youth Council would like to thank the artists who submitted work. Art is a powerful communication tool, and thier willingness to share their work goes a long way in helping the Youth Council prevent suicide.
Thoughts of suicide do not necessarily mean that you want to die. Instead they mean that you have more pain than you can cope with right now. The pain of deep depression is intense, and can be too much to bear for long periods of time. However, suicidal thoughts do not have to become suicidal actions. It's important to know that suicide can be preventable. Whether you are considering ending your life, or know someone who feels suicidal, learn to recognize the warning signs and how to get immediate help. You may save a life – your own or someone else's. If you or a loved one are hurting, there is help out there. For immediate help, call 911.
The Ventura County Suicide Hotline also has trained, caring staff waiting for you to reach out to them at (877) 727-4747; or call the Ventura County Crisis Team at (866) 998-2243; or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800)273-TALK (8255). For more information about suicide warning signs, visit Know the Signs at www.suicideispreventable.org.