Our hearts grow weary and our minds speed up as we desperately search for an answer to end Colorado’s suicide crisis. In looking for that answer—the one that will save lives and improve the social determinants of health within our cities—we consider various risk-factors that gravely affect the well-being of the people who live here: limited mental health services, high rates of illicit drug use and substance use disorders, exposure to violent crime and/or abuse, access to weapons and/or firearms, and even a low percentage of high school graduates. Yes, further examination of and increased efforts put forth on account of the above risk-factors are critical for suicide prevention, but also, for addressing the mental health stigma that still exists today.

In 2018, the United Health Foundation found the number of deaths by suicide or intentional self-harm in Colorado to be 22.4 (per population of 100,000); in comparison, the number of deaths by suicide or intentional self-harm in the U.S. was 14.8 (per population of 100,000). In looking at these statistics closer, we learn that males living in Colorado are more at-risk for suicide than woman living in Colorado (34.5 compared to 10.5 per a population of 100,000). At the same time, being of a white racial background (25.0) and within the age range of 45-54 (31.7) holds a higher rate of death by suicide per population of 100,000 in the state (2021). 

Though we mustn’t leave any stone unturned on our mission to decrease rates of suicide in Colorado, increase access to services, and improve the quality of life for the people who live here, today we focus our attention on one of the leading challenges we’ve faced thus far: breaking through the deep-rooted relationship between substance abuse and mental health in Colorado—the queen of toxic relationships. A lethal combination that’s too close for comfort.

Dual diagnoses, also known as co-occurring disorders, can be understood as having both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder at the same time. While an individual may notice an increase in symptoms of one condition over another at different points in time, both conditions must still be treated. Oftentimes, co-occurring disorders are difficult to treat due to their complex nature and the presence of multi-layer symptoms; as a result, more intensive treatment is recommended for this population and usually for longer durations of time. 

Though there’s not always a clear answer when it comes to distinguishing which condition manifested first (the substance use condition or mental health condition), it’s helpful to understand the interaction, and relationship, that can exist between the two: “An individual with a mental health problem who does not receive adequate treatment is likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to relieve their symptoms. Symptoms of drug misuse and psychiatric illness tend to exacerbate one another” (Lesser, 2021). 

When an individual turns to substances in order to try and cope with a stressor, or symptoms of an underlying mental health condition, this is commonly referred to as “self-medicating” behavior. By numbing oneself with alcohol and/or other drugs, feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and other various mental health symptoms are concealed. However, when the substance is taken away, undesirable feelings and thoughts are magnified. Once the levels of a substance drop and exit the body, it’s common to feel a flood of emotions rising to the surface; these emotions can feel overwhelming for the user, often posing as “too much to handle.” Consequently, in order to avoid these undesirable feelings and prevent them from gaining more traction, a person may increase the frequency of their use and/or the amount of the substance being taken: a hazardous recipe.

If someone is unable, or unwilling, to seek assistance from a family member or a mental health professional, serious consequences can unfold and rash decisions—often life-changing ones—can be made in a state of desperation and emotional instability. While suicide and self-injurious behavior may feel like the only way out—a means to end the pain and suffering—there are many resources and services available to help find hope and strength for today.

As we continue to educate ourselves, spread awareness about availability treatment and services for mental health and substance use disorders, and support one another on the path to increased health and wellness, then we will absolutely make strides towards saving lives and improving the social determinants of health within our cities. We have to do this together. By understanding the impact of substance abuse on mental health (and vice versa), we are one step closer to combating the realities that amount when these conditions are left untreated. We are one step closer to breaking through the deep-rooted relationship between substance abuse and suicide in Colorado. We are one step closer to living an overall happier and healthier life, together.

Help is Available Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health, there are resources available. Please reach out for support and remember you are not alone on this journey. If you need emergency assistance right away, call 911. 

• Emergency: Dial 911 immediately.

• Colorado Crisis Services: (24/7/365) 1-844-493-8255/OR txt TALK to 38255: Talk to a trained counselor for free, confidential, and immediate support.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)

• Crisis Text Line: Text “DESERVE” to 741-741

• Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONTCUT (1-800-366-8288)

• American Association of Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222

• National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line: 1-800-622-2255

References

Lesser, B. (2021, April 14). Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders: What You Need to Know. Dualdiagnosis.org. https://dualdiagnosis.org/co-occurring-disorders-treatment. 

United Health Foundation. (2021). Explore Suicide in Colorado. America's Health Rankings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/Suicide/state/CO