How Prevalent is Suicide?
- In 2015, there were 1,093 suicides among Colorado residents. This is the highest number and rate of suicide deaths ever recorded in Colorado.
- In 2015, suicide was the seventh-leading cause of death for all Coloradans.
- Coloradans ages 45-64 demonstrated the highest number of suicide deaths
- Among youth and young adults ages 10-34, suicide is the second leading cause of death.
- Suicide is a problem that impacts Coloradans regardless of age, race, ethnicity, income level, gender or sexual orientation.
- In 2014, the most recent year of data available nationally, Colorado was tied for the fifth-highest suicide rate in the United States.
Suicide is Preventable
Most people who think about suicide don’t really want to end their life. They just want relief from the intense emotional pain they’re experiencing, and don’t see workable alternatives to resolve the problem or issue. Most people do NOT really want to die. They simply want to end the pain.
Look for These Risk Factors/ Warning Signs
It’s important to pay attention to signs and behaviors that signal someone may be in crisis. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs. They can include:
- Feeling depressed/hopeless
- Feeling helpless
- History of depression
- Low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities
- Slipping grades or work
- Job or financial loss
- Loss of an important relationship
- Major physical illness
- Previous suicide attempt
- Feelings of isolation and/or withdrawal
- Lack of support
- Unexplained mood improvement
- Sadness/crying
- Change in appetite, sleeping
- Feeling angry or irritable
- Alcohol or drug use
- Feeling guilty for no reason
- Talking or joking about suicide or death (ie: “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I wish I were dead.”)
- Giving away possessions
- Careless, high-risk behavior
How Can I Help?
If it’s you, seek help immediately. Colorado Crisis Services is available 24/7 at 1-844-493-TALK(8255) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to any walk in crisis center.
The Jefferson County walk-in crisis center is located:
Crisis & Recovery Center
4643 Wadsworth Blvd.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
If you are concerned about someone, ask. Though it might be difficult, you must ask the question directly without judgment: “Have you been having thoughts about suicide?” or “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” If you are uncomfortable asking, call and get help from a professional counselor or therapist. If you’re unsure whether or not to make the call for help, please err on the side of caution and call.
We recommend saving the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Colorado Crisis Services numbers in your phone so that you have them when you need them.
Want to learn more about how you can help someone in crisis? Take a Mental Health First Aid class! Visit jcmh.org/mhfa for dates times and more information.
This information has been retrieved from several sources dealing with suicide prevention including Mental Health First Aid, Jefferson Center, Colorado Department of Health https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/categories/services-and-information/health/prevention-and-wellness/suicide-prevention.