You Are Not Alone - Suicide Prevention Resources for All Ages

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month – a time to bring attention to this important crisis in America. In the United States, there were an estimated 1.6 million suicide attempts in 2022 (Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). Suicide is also a top three leading cause of death overall for ages 10 to 24 (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness).

It’s important to shift public perception, spread hope and share resources with those who have been or are currently being affected by suicide.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate something more serious.

Know where to seek immediate help for suicidal thoughts

It’s never wrong to ask for help. Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people between 10-24 years old in Colorado, and more than half of these deaths are the result of firearm suicides (Source: Boulder County Public Health). In addition, Colorado ranks sixth in the nation for overall suicide rates and tenth for suicides involving firearms. Firearms are both the deadliest and most common method of suicide in Colorado and across the United States (Source: Boulder County Public Health).

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in a life-threatening situation:

• Text or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. Callers can follow prompts with separate lines for veterans, Spanish language speakers and LGBTQIA+ persons.
• Contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255), text "TALK" to 38255, or visit coloradocrisisservices.org for a live chat in 17 languages.
• Visit the Emergency Department (ED) at Foothills Hospital. Psychiatric evaluations are available 24/7 for community members who don’t feel safe or are in crisis. Mental health holds — or involuntary holds — are also provided if needed.
• Present to the Boulder Walk-In Center at 3180 Airport Road, 24/7.
• Call 9-1-1.

What are the warning signs of suicide?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says the following behaviors may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

Talking about:

• Wanting to die
• Great guilt or shame
• Being a burden to others

Feeling:

• Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
• Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
• Unbearable emotional or physical pain

Changing behavior, such as:

• Making a plan or researching ways to die
• Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
• Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Eating or sleeping more or less
• Using drugs or alcohol more often

#BeThe1To

We can all take action to prevent suicide. If you think someone might be considering suicide, #BeThe1To help save a life by taking these five steps:

• Ask
• Be there
• Keeps them safe
• Help them stay connected
• Follow up

Read more about how and why the five action steps can help here.

BCH Resources at Della Cava

As our community’s demand for mental health care increases, so does BCH’s commitment to evolving and extending crucial services. That's why we offer the broadest and deepest range of behavioral health services in Boulder County, including comprehensive adult Inpatient, Outpatient and Primary Care Services. Our experienced team is here to identify the right option for you or a loved one to best meet each person’s specific needs with our “No Wrong Door” approach.

Find appropriate and meaningful care options at bch.org/mentalhealth.