Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide and suicide attempts are a major health problem in our region. Colorado Health Institute’s latest statistics from 2016 note a record 1,156 died by suicide state-wide, with Colorado having the 9th highest suicide rate in the country. 20.5 out of every 100,000 Coloradans take their lives and in Mesa County it’s a devastating 34.7 per 100,000 residents. Nearly twice as many people die by their own hands than in car accidents and almost 80% of suicides are men. Firearms were involved in more than half the suicides in 2016.

Know the Signs of Suicide and How to Handle Them

Suicide isn’t always somebody else’s problem. You may know an individual who has attempted to kill him or herself – and has perhaps succeeded, or you may have struggled with suicidal thoughts yourself. The World Health Organization estimates that roughly one million people commit suicide every year. Therefore, it’s extremely important to be aware of the warning signs of suicide, as well as what to do if you’re confronted with someone who displays these signs.

Those with mental illness have a higher risk of suicide. Many feel that suicide offers the only “hope” they have of ending the pain and hopelessness they experience on daily basis. Warning signs of suicide include:

Talking about suicide and/or a preoccupation with the idea of death
Seeking access to guns, knives, pills or other means of ending life
A general sense of hopelessness
Feelings of self-loathing and worthlessness
Saying goodbyes to loved ones and finalizing one’s affairs
Recklessness and self-destructive behaviors
Social withdrawal and isolation
A sudden sense of calm, apparent happiness, or relief of depressive symptoms, that follows a decision to commit suicide

If you know someone who is exhibiting some combination of these traits, speak up! Don’t be afraid to address the issue of suicide with the person in a manner that is supportive and non-judgmental. Evidence shows that raising the issue of suicide does not encourage suicide, but rather assists in stopping it. Offer your help, especially if you think an attempt is imminent. Be prepared to act quickly by contacting an emergency crisis-counseling center, removing deadly weapons or other means of self-harm and staying with the individual until you can be certain that he or she is safe.

Listen. Give individuals any and every opportunity to unburden or vent. Offer patience, sympathy and acceptance, avoid arguments or advice-giving. You don’t need to say much, just let them know you are glad they turned to you.

Ask if They are Having Any Thoughts of Suicide. Asking is a good thing and shows that you care, you take the person seriously and are willing to share their pain. If they are having suicidal thoughts find out how far along their ideation has progressed.

Take it Seriously. Many suicides occur for reasons that do not seem serious enough to others. It is not how bad the problem is but how badly it’s hurting the person who has it. Do not judge, aid.

Give & Get Help Sooner than Later. Suicide prevention is not a last-minute activity. Do whatever you can to reduce their pain and constructively involving yourself on the side of life as early as possible can reduce the risk.

Consider Suicidal Behavior a Cry for Help. Suicidal persons can be ambivalent, part of them wants to live and part wants not so much to die as to have the pain end. If a suicidal person turns to you they probably believe you are caring and competent. Regardless of the negativity level of their talk, just having the talk is a positive thing.

Urge Professional Help. Persistence and patience may be needed to seek, engage and continue with as many options as possible.

Don’t keep Secrets. Respond to the part of the suicidal person that wants to stay alive. Do not go it alone, seek assistance for the person and yourself, you can do so without breaches of privacy. Distributing the responsibility of suicide prevention makes it easier and more effective.

If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, please seek immediate help by calling 988 or texting 988.

Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24. Some common warning signs of suicidal behavior include: threats or comments about killing oneself, withdrawal from social circles, putting affairs in order or giving away possessions, saying goodbye to friends and family, purchasing or searching for a firearm or prescription medicine to complete suicide with. The majority of people experiencing Suicidal Thoughts have an existing mental illness.

Anyone having suicidal thoughts or exhibiting suicidal behaviors should immediately be provided with psychiatric assistance. Health Solutions West offers several effective treatment methods and resources for preventing suicide and coping with any mental illness associated with the Suicidal Thoughts including: Counseling & Therapy for Mental Illness and Ongoing Resources to Manage Mental Illness.

Counseling & Therapy for Mental Illness

We have Therapy Offices that provide counseling and therapy for mental illness that may lead to Suicidal Thoughts across the western slope of Colorado. Our therapists specialize in Evidence-Based Practices, meaning the treatment you or a loved one will receive has been proven to be effective. Find out which of our Therapy Offices is closest to you and call us to schedule a consultation now.

We also offer secure and confidential teleHealth services, allowing you to video chat our therapists from the comfort of any of our therapy offices. TeleHealth provides access to our full network of providers, ensuring you or your loved one are receiving the very best care from a therapist with expertise on the illness and selected treatment methods.|

Ongoing Resources for Mental Illness

At Health Solutions West, we know that community involvement fosters healthy relationships and happy people. That’s why we’ve created a network of resources within our community for individuals living with Mental Illness and/or Addiction.

One-on-One Peer Support: Health Solutions West offers a Peer Support program for those living with Mental Illness and/or Addiction. Health Solutions West’s peers have been diagnosed with Mental Illness and/or Addiction and have learned to effectively manage and thrive with their illness. Learn more about the Peer Support program and how it can help you or a loved one with Mental Illness and/or Addiction.

Family Services: Mental Illness and/or Addiction effect the person diagnosed with the mental illness as well as their family. We offer support groups and resources for families of those recovering from Mental Illness and/or Addiction. Learn how family services can help you today.

Job Assistance: Securing and maintaining a job while learning to cope with Mental Illness and/or Addiction can feel overwhelming. Learn about our job assistance services and how we help those coping with mental illness find a steady career.