Statistically, rural suicide rates continue to remain higher than rates for urban/suburban (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12940470/), especially in western states. Additionally, suicide rates tend to be higher among working age men, with elevated rates in the agriculture, construction, and extraction industries (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7250a2.htm).

Men complete suicide at much higher rates than women, but rates for rural women are significantly higher than for women in urban areas. Veterans, tribal communities, and farmers/farmworkers are groups with the highest rates of death by suicide in rural areas. Untreated mental illnesses are included among risk factors for suicide but are not a determinant. Suicidal thoughts or actions can be the result of a crisis event in someone without a history of mental illness.

These findings highlight the importance of increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to behavioral health resources in our communities. Continued collaboration among public health agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local partners is essential to supporting mental well-being, preventing suicide, and ensuring residents can access the care and support they need.

Additional state and national resources that specialize in rural mental health and support:

• Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program (CAAMHP) – a program of the Colorado Farm bureau
• Colorado Department of Agriculture Rural Mental Health Resources
• Rural Minds

Crisis can appear under many disguises. Some common ones include relationship problems, depression, anxiety, bullying, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one are navigating any of these or other challenges, it may be time to find someone to talk to. 24/7/365 mental health and addiction services are available at 988 or you can walk into any crisis center during business hours:

• • 871 East 1st Street, Akron 970-345-2254
  • 821 East Railroad Ave, Fort Morgan 970-867-4924
  • 115 North Campbell, Holyoke 970-854-2114
  • 211 West Main St, Sterling 970-522-4392
  • 215 South Ash St, Yuma 970-848-5418

Common Risk Factors for Suicide include:

• Family history of suicide
• Family history of child maltreatment
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• History of mental disorders, particularly clinical depression
• History of alcohol and substance abuse
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
• Local epidemics of suicide
• Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
• Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
• Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
• Physical illness
• Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
• Easy access to lethal methods
• Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or to suicidal thoughts

​A common response to suicide is to oversimplify the cause of the suicide. Usually suicide is more complex. Our culture is often uncomfortable talking about suicide.