Suicide Prevention
Suicide Doesn’t Have to Happen
Suicide is preventable– and widespread community prevention efforts are the most effective way to stop suicide. In the pursuit of safety for our clients, staff, and community, The Center for Mental Health is committed to promoting suicide awareness and prevention in our community. Communities that care make a difference. Help us strengthen the awareness and capacity in our community today
In Crisis?
Call The Center Support Line at 970.247.5245
Our Crisis Walk-In Center is located at 300 N.
Cascade in Montrose and offers urgent behavioral
healthcare 24/7/365.
Need to Talk?
The Colorado Crisis Line 844-493-8255
Text TALK to 38255
How You Can Help Prevent Suicide
Use the information provided to learn more about how to prevent suicide by identifying the risk factors, understanding the warning signs and finding out how to help someone who may be suicidal.
Warning Signs
While a suicide attempt may occur without any warning, in most cases individuals who are contemplating suicide exhibit some warning signs about their pain and intent. By learning the most common warning signs, you may be able to intervene and save the life of someone contemplating suicide. Warning signs of suicide include:
- Threatening to hurt/kill oneself
- Seeking access to lethal means
- Increased alcohol or drug use and/or risky activities
- Expressing guilt and shame or feeling like a burden to others
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Abrupt changes in mood and behavior
- Withdrawal from family and friends or saying goodbye/giving away important items
- Feeling or expressing extreme psychological pain and distress
- Talking, writing, or posting on social media about death, dying, or suicide
Suicide Risk Factors
Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex with many contributing factors. Since there is no single cause, learning the risk factors that may increase the likelihood of an attempt can save a life. The main risk factors for suicide are:
- Prior suicide attempts
- Abuse of alcohol and other drugs
- Access to lethal means (especially firearms)
- Social Isolation
- Chronic physical illness or pain
- Trauma history (abuse, violence, neglect, suicide loss survivor)
- Untreated mental health condition (depression and mood disorders are most commonly associated with suicidal thinking and behavior)
How to Help
If someone you know needs help, take action! Your prompt response can save a life.
Ask About Suicide:
If you notice warning signs of suicide or concerning language, take them seriously and ASK. Research tells us that asking does NOT increase someone’s risk, in fact, asking directly about suicide reduces stigma and feels relieving for someone having suicidal thoughts.
Keep Them Safe:
Reducing access to highly lethal items (firearms/weapons, medication, drugs/alcohol) or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
Be There:
Create a safe space with your presence and listen carefully to what the person is thinking and feeling. Acknowledge feelings without judgment and try to understand underlying emotional struggles. Research tells us that acknowledging suicide can decrease suicidal thoughts.
Stay Connected:
Make space and time for ongoing conversations after an emotional crisis. It can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person through phone calls or in person visits.
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
Want to Learn More About Suicide?
Looking for more information on suicide or suicidal ideation? Learn about warning signs, risk factors and tips and tools from a variety of experts on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Download Suicide Prevention Information
Ready to Help?
Suicide prevention is something we can all take part in. Take a course and use the resources below to learn how to be a lifeline and be able to help when someone is in crisis.
How to Help?
Register for Question. Persuade. Refer. Training
Register for Mental Health First Aid Training
Axis Health System is a provider of Colorado Crisis Services. Funded in part by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Axis Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Axis Health System does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, click here.