September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it represents a time to listen, offer help and reduce stigmas around suicidal thoughts and seeking support. El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) joins community members and organizations nationwide to raise awareness about the importance of suicide prevention, amplify resources and expand opportunities to get involved in youth suicide prevention.
In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes and for people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death. In El Paso County, 62 percent of deaths by suicide in 2021 investigated by the Coroner’s Office reported a history of prior thoughts of suicide, underscoring the importance of having increased access to resources to help people overcome crisis situations.
At its August 24 meeting, the El Paso County Board of Health recognized September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. To highlight the importance of collaboration and the ongoing work to prevent youth suicide in our communities, the Board was joined by several partners and staff members who have worked tirelessly on this critical issue.
“We all, on an individual level, have actually a lot of power in trying to fight back against suicide,” NAMI’s Kirk Woundy said at the Board meeting. “So, I just would encourage everyone to keep in mind to let other people know that there are trainings like Mental Health First Aid and Question, Persuade and Refer.”
Everyone can take action to prevent suicide in the community by learning about the risk factors and warning signs, asking about suicide directly, being there for those who are suffering, keeping them safe, helping them connect to resources and following up after a crisis.
Knowing the signs and having a conversation about suicide can be difficult, but it can make all the difference. Check out these warning signs and conversations guides to help those in need.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
If you are concerned about someone, ask yourself the following questions. Have they shown or shared any of the following:
- Talking about wanting to die, be dead, or about suicide, or are they cutting or burning themselves?
- Feeling like things may never get better, seeming like they are in terrible emotional pain (like something is wrong deep inside but they can’t make it go away), or they are struggling to deal with a big loss in their life?
- Or is your gut telling you to be worried because they have withdrawn from everyone and everything, have become more anxious or on edge, seem unusually angry, or just don’t seem normal to you?
How can you respond?
If you notice any of these warning signs in anyone, you can help.
- Ask if they are okay or if they are having thoughts about suicide. It’s okay to be direct about asking if they are having thoughts about suicide.
- Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior.
- Listen closely and do not judge.
- Reflect what they share and let them know they have been heard.
- Tell them they are not alone.
- Let them know there are resources available that can help.
- If you or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help.
Getting help
For someone with an immediate life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 for assistance.
These resources are free for anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, with 24-hour support.
- Colorado Crisis Services Hotline
Get connected to a crisis counselor or trained professional 24/7 who will assess risk and determine if a mobile response is necessary.
Call 1-844-493-8255, or text “TALK” to 38255
- 9-8-8
A confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis workers.
- Crisis Stabilization Units
There is a crisis stabilization unit in Colorado Springs where individuals may receive immediate help in person at no charge 24/7.
719-299-2996, 115 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80909-6071
Youth Suicide
Youth suicide is an issue that has impacted El Paso County, which has led to numerous community partners coming together to identify and implement collaborative solutions, including increasing help-seeking behaviors among youth and de-stigmatizing mental illness.
Convened by EPCPH since 2015, the El Paso County Youth Suicide Prevention (YSP) Workgroup engages community partners to take collective action to support youth mental health, well-being and suicide prevention Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and everyone is welcome to the table for the Youth Suicide Prevention Workgroup. Learn how you can #BeThere for the people you care about and help prevent suicide in El Paso County.
Several events are happening in our community over the next month to raise awareness to support suicide prevention efforts including the NAMIWalks Your Way Colorado Springs on October 8. Join EPCPH as we step into NAMIWalks Your Way 2022. It’s a new day for mental health and we will embrace it together.