More than 500,000 Californians thought seriously about committing suicide in 2009, according to a new report from UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.
The study, based on the nation's largest state health survey, reveals a number of disturbing findings.
It finds gay, lesbian and bisexual Californians have the highest suicide risk. This population was found to be more than three times as likely as all adults to seriously think about suicide during the previous year.
Disabled adults were also seen as having a higher risk.
Among all ethnic groups, Alaska Natives and American Indians had the highest rate of suicidal thoughts.
In another sobering finding, 65 percent of adults who said they had considered suicide and needed mental healthcare received little or no treatment.
San Diegans who are considering suicide can call a 24-hour hotline staffed by mental health counselors. The Access & Crisis Line is available at 888-724-7240.
