If you are in crisis now, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

According to the NCHD’s 2012 Community Health Survey, 70% of adults 18 and over were at least slightly concerned about the mental illness or emotional issues in their community. In 2019, suicide remained the seventh leading cause of death for all Coloradans. Adults ages 25-64 continue to have the highest rates and number of suicide deaths, representing nearly 70% of all suicide fatalities.

Source: Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention

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.

Some factors that protect individuals from suicidal thoughts and actions are:

  • Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
  • Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking
  • Family and community support (connectedness)
  • Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
  • Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
  • Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation

Crisis Center Availability

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 844-493-TALK (8255) or you can walk into any crisis center during business hours:

Community Outreach and Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention Training Opportunities

The Northeast Colorado Health Department in partnership with Centennial Mental Health Center will provide community outreach and evidence-based suicide prevention training opportunities to the communities of northeast Colorado. Trainings opportunities are available for all community members several times throughout the year. These include Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Adults, Teens or Youth, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), More Than Sad, and several others.

For more information or to sign up contact:

Maranda Miller
970-522-4549 ext. 293
MarandaM@CentennialMHC.org

In the event of a life-threatening mental health emergency, call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest emergency room.