Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention for Kids and Teens
We are devoted to addressing the growing need for suicide awareness and prevention. If you are someone you love is in immediate crisis, please call 911. If you would like to talk to a trained professional who can help, call, text or chat with 988, Colorado's Mental Health Lifeline. Support is available 24/7/365.
To get mental health help with WellPower:
- Call us at (303) 504-7900 to access services. Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Request an appointment online
How You Can Help
Use the information provided to learn more about how to prevent suicide by identifying warning signs and find out how to help someone who may be feeling suicidal.
If you are concerned about someone's well-being, know what warning signs to watch for:
- Talking about suicide, death, or preoccupation with dying
- Trouble eating or sleeping (excessive eating/sleeping or unable to eat/sleep)
- Significant changes in behavior and/or personality
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of interest in activities, work, school, hobbies, or social interactions
- Giving away prized possessions
- Previous suicide attempts
- Increased drug and/or alcohol use
- Statements about hopelessness or worthlessness
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Sudden happiness or calmness following a depressed mood
- A preoccupation with items that could cause harm
- (guns, knives, hanging materials, pills, etc.)
- Problems in school or work performance
- Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms
- An inability to concentrate, trouble remembering things
- Feeling strong anger or rage
- Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
- Feeling trapped - like there is no way out of a situation
If someone you know needs help, take action! Your prompt response can save a life.
What To Do
- Take all suicide threats seriously. Listen and express concern in a nonjudgmental way.
- Take action! Get the individual connected with professional help.
- Ask questions openly ("Do you have a plan? Will you talk with someone who can help?")
- Show that you care
What Not To Do
- Do not keep it a secret
- Do not sidestep the issue or treat it lightly
- Do not leave the person alone
- Do not offer simple solutions
- Do not judge
- Do not offer or suggest drugs or alcohol
- Do not try to be a therapist, get professional help
Mental Health First Aid
We offer Mental Health First Aid trainings for Adults Assisting Adults and Adults Assisting Youth. This crucial training is for anyone looking to help someone in need. You could be the one to make a difference and save a life.
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado
The mission of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado (SPCC) is to reduce suicide and its impact for all Coloradans through advocacy, collaboration and education.
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Their mission is to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP).
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide Prevention Resource Center provides technical assistance, training, and materials to increase the knowledge and expertise of suicide prevention practitioners and other professionals serving people at risk for suicide.
Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention
The Office of Suicide Prevention serves as a clearinghouse for the latest national trends, risk factors, prevention plans, etc. to help recognize and respond to people who are at risk.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
Let’s Talk Colorado is funded by a State Innovation Model grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The goal of the Let’s Talk Colorado media campaign is to reduce the stigma around mental illness so that people who need treatment are more likely to seek it.
American Association of Suicidology
AAS is a membership organization for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention, or touched by suicide. AAS is a leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services.
Part of a multi-agency effort, including the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention, Carson J Spencer Foundation and Cactus, Man Therapy™ is a resource for working-aged men (25-54 years old) who account for the largest number of suicide deaths in Colorado.
The QPR Institute offers comprehensive suicide prevention training programs, educational and clinical materials for the general public, professionals, and institutions.
The mission of Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver is to decrease the incidence of teen suicide by removing financial and social barriers to treatment for at-risk youth.
Center for Disease Control Suicide Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is dedicated to creating the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.
ULifeline is an anonymous, confidential, online resource center where college students can be comfortable searching for the information they need and want regarding emotional health.