If you’re struggling, or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text CO to 741741.
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Death by suicide is preventable and takes support from all levels of our community. This is particularly important to the Mesa County community. The suicide death rate in Mesa County remains higher than both Colorado and the United States. Also, the rate of suicide deaths has increased over the last two years.
A group of Mesa County partners, including Mesa County Public Health, has launched a coordinated campaign to address this challenge. The goals of the campaign are to:
- Educate the community about evidence-based, simple ways to support a friend, family member, or co-worker who is experiencing emotional pain.
- Reduce stigma in Mesa County when speaking about suicide.
Current state of Suicide Crisis in Mesa County
Key findings from the 2022 Mesa County Suicide Report indicate:
- Suicide death is most common among working age adults, 25-64 years old.
- Hospital visits for suicidal ideation and attempt are most common among youth and young adults under 25.
- Drugs or alcohol were involved at the time of death in nearly 75% of suicide deaths.
- Those who die by suicide have often made previous attempts. In 2022, one in four people who died by suicide had a known previous attempt.
View the full 2022 Mesa County Suicide Report.
Suicide Prevention in Action: #Bethe1to Campaign
#Bethe1to teaches five specific actions to be used when communicating with someone who may be suicidal. These actions are supported by research in the suicide prevention field.
- Ask If you think someone might be considering suicide, take the first step and be the one to ask. Ask directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?
- Be There If someone you know is thinking about suicide, take the next step and be the one to be there. Listen to their reasons for feeling hopeless and in pain. Listen without judgment and with compassion and empathy
- Keep them safe. If you ask someone if they are thinking about suicide and they say yes, be the one to keep them safe. Separate them from anything they are thinking of using to hurt themselves.
- Help them connect. If someone you know is thinking about suicide, be the one to help them connect to resources. Help them build a support system, including the 9-8-8 Lifeline, family, friends, clergy, coaches, and therapists.
- Follow up. If someone you know tells you they’ve been thinking about suicide, don’t forget to take the last step and be the one to follow up with them. It can make all the difference.
Learn more about how to save a life at bethe1to.com.
Follow Mesa County Public Health on Facebook @mesacountypublichealth to learn all September.