If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Colorado Crisis Line immediately:
1.844.493.TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255
We Can All Help Prevent Suicide. Know The Signs Of Suicide And How To Handle Them
Suicide isn’t always somebody else’s problem. You may know an individual who has attempted to kill him or herself – and has perhaps succeeded – or you may have struggled with suicidal thoughts yourself.
- The Rocky Mountain region has the highest suicide rate in the country
- On average, one person dies by suicide every seven hours in the state of Colorado
- Suicide rates on the Western Slope can be up to 3x of Colorado’s rate
- In Colorado suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those ages 15-44
- The largest number of suicide deaths occur among middle-aged men 35 – 44.
- As many as 9,600 Coloradans are estimated to be seriously contemplate suicide each year, with approximately one-half to two-thirds of these individuals not being treated for their suicidal symptoms.
- Over six times as many people died by suicide in Colorado in 2017 than in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents.
It’s extremely important to be aware of the warning signs of suicide, as well as what to do if you’re confronted with someone who displays these signs.
- Talking about suicide and/or a preoccupation with the idea of death
- Talking about feeling empty, hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about great guilt or shame
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Feeling unbearable pain (emotional or physical)
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as seeking access to guns, knives, pills or other means of ending life
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated, showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Saying goodbyes to loved ones, giving away important possessions, putting affairs in order
- Recklessness and self-destructive behaviors
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- A sudden sense of calm, apparent happiness, or relief of depressive symptoms that can follow a decision to complete suicide