Teen suicide can be prevented. Unfortunately, Colorado’s teen suicide rate is nearly twice the national average. One out of every 100,000 teenagers in the US who are 15 to 19 years old die by suicide each year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, that number doubles in Colorado.
In Jefferson County, suicide concerns reported by students to Safe2Tell, opens a new window, a confidential and anonymous reporting service, have increased more than 400 percent over the past two years.
Attend an important event on January 30, 6 – 7:30 PM at the Arvada Library where you can learn from experts from Jefferson Center for Mental Health Trauma and Suicide Prevention Services Team about how to have difficult conversations about suicide. Adults are welcome to attend with their teen/tween. Pizza and lemonade provided.
If you’re unable to attend, here are some additional resources.
Suicide resources
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or depression, the following resources are available:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255): Speak with someone who will provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn how to help someone in crisis, opens a new window, call the same number.
- The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386): A 24/7 resource for LGBTQ youth struggling with a crisis or suicidal thoughts. The line is staffed by trained counselors.
- Colorado Crisis Services Walk-In Locations: Walk-in crisis service centers are open 24/7, opens a new window, and offer confidential, in-person crisis support, information and referrals to anyone in need.
- Colorado Crisis Services Hotline (1-844-493-8255): If you are in crisis or need help dealing with one, call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255 to speak to a trained professional. When calling Colorado Crisis Services, opens a new window, you will be connected to a crisis counselor or trained professional with a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: (1-844-264-5437): An easy resource for people to report suspected child abuse and neglect. The number serves as a direct, immediate and efficient route to all Colorado’s 64 counties and two tribal nations, which are responsible for accepting and responding to child abuse and neglect concerns. All callers are able to speak with a call-taker 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
