Colorado: a place of beauty, adventure, serenity, and family. Whether looking to book your next fun-filled family vacation near the picturesque Rocky Mountains or in need of a peaceful place to re-center—surrounded by the many breathtaking lakes and reservoirs—it’s safe to say Colorado has you covered. The beauty that exists throughout the stunning Centennial State cannot be overlooked, or in any way debated; still, there’s a darkness that lingers over colorful Colorado: a darkness that needs to be brought to light on a state-level, as well as a national one. We’re talking about teen suicide. 

Teen Suicide: Statistics in Colorado

The fact of the matter is, in the last few years Colorado has seen the highest increase in teen suicide throughout the U.S.; at a disconcerting 58 percent increase from 2016 to 2019, suicide is considered to be a leading cause of death for 1 in 5 teens. CPR News elaborates further: “…nationally, the teen suicide rate is up 25 percent. Colorado's 2019 rate is nearly double that nationwide, 20.4 compared to 10.5” (Daley, 2019). Although these statistics are mind-numbingly difficult to grasp, the rate of teen suicide in Colorado is a devastating reality. 

The teens we mourn today are your friends, neighbors, students, and painfully, your beautiful children. Our hearts break with you, but stand with you. We are not here to engage in acts of pointing the finger towards the system for “failing” (often an unproductive, inadequate approach for implementing change); nor are we here to bury ourselves inside of a gut-wrenching cycle of “what if’s—“blaming ourselves for not seeing the signs earlier. Rather, we are here to support one another, hold the hands of our grieving neighbor, and learn how to use our pain as an instrument for change. It’s time to pave a new path for Colorado’s youth and young adults; it’s time to eliminate the stigma of what it means to have a mental health condition, increase access to supportive services, and work independently—but also collectively—in understanding what factors may be contributing to a feeling of hopelessness amongst Colorado teens. 

Teen Suicide: Contributing Factors

This leads us here to ask: what is happening in Colorado? What can be done? Although there is no definitive explanation for justifying the increased rate of suicide among Colorado’s youth, there are variables to consider: a culmination of factors that could potentially cause, or worsen, suicidal ideation among the teens that live here. 

Contributing factors to consider:

• Limited mental health services 

• High rates of illicit drug use among women

• High rates of illicit drug use among youth

• Exposure to violent crime and/or abuse 

• Undiagnosed behavioral disorders

• Strong experiences with sadness, isolation, rejection, and/or hopelessness

• Access to weapons and/or firearms

• Low percentage of high school graduates

(United Health Foundation, 2021).

Teen Suicide: Prevention

When discussing early detection and prevention of teen suicide statewide and nationwide, there are warning signs you can look for; though sometimes easier said than done, identifying these warning signs early on is crucial. If you notice that your teen or someone you know is exhibiting changes in behavior, remember to check-in with them to make sure they are okay. 

Warning signs to look out for:   

• Making suicidal statements

• Withdrawn behavior (avoiding family, friends, or usual activities)

• Somatic complaints (stomach upset, headaches, body aches)

• Changes in overall mood, appetite, and sleep patterns

• Difficult concentrating/regulating daily emotions

• Exhibiting a preoccupation with death

• Giving away items and possessions that hold importance/saying goodbye

(Aacap, 2018)

If you’re a teenager engaging in self-harm or experiencing suicidal ideation please know that there’s help available for you today. If you notice changes with your mental health, find someone you feel comfortable talking to: a parent, teacher, friend, mental health professional, or an emergency hotline. Parents: please don’t be afraid to ask your teen how they are feeling; a quick daily check-in may be helpful for both teens and their parents. Sometimes, your teen may be waiting for you to open the door and just listen. For anyone reading, remember that you’re not alone. Help is available today.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Services in Colorado

If you or someone you know is in need of support, there are services available near you. By utilizing many of the mental health services available in Colorado, you will gain access to the support you need and deserve. If ever there is a time you need emergency assistance: contact 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.

• The Trevor Project: (24/7/365) 1-866-488-7386: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people from ages 13-24. 

• Safe2Tell (24/7/365) 1-877-542-7233: Provides young people an anonymous way to report any threatening behaviors or activities which endanger themselves or someone they know.
  

  (Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 2021).

Mental Health Resources Available Nationwide

• Emergency: Dial 911 immediately.

• 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

• GLBT Hotline: 1-888-843-4564

• National Crisis Line – Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357

References

Aacap. (2018, June). Suicide in Children and Teens. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teen-Suicide-010.aspx. 

Daley, J. (2019, September 18). The Rate Of Teen Suicide In Colorado Increased By 58% In 3 Years, Making It The Cause Of 1 In 5 Adolescent Deaths. Colorado Public Radio. https://www.cpr.org/2019/09/17/the-rate-of-teen-suicide-in-colorado-increased-by-58-percent-in-3-years-making-it-the-cause-of-1-in-5-adolescent-deaths/. 

Department of Public Health & Environment. (2021). Youth and young adult suicide prevention. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/suicide-prevention/youth-and-young-adult-suicide-prevention. 

United Health Foundation. (2021). Explore Teen Suicide in Colorado | 2020 Health of Women ... America's Health Rankings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/health-of-women-and-children/measure/teen_suicide/state/CO.