Know the Risks and Warning Signs for Suicide and What To Do in a Crisis

Boulder County, Colo. -- The Boulder County Commissioners have proclaimed September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Month in Boulder County and called on residents to raise awareness of suicide prevention and treatment and to know the risks and warning signs for suicide and what to do in a crisis.

While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and Suicide Prevention Month provide a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength to address this difficult topic.

Resources for People in Crisis

24/7 help is available by phone, online, and in person, regardless of your ability to pay. Visit the following websites for details:

Colorado Crisis Services 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255 (in English and Spanish)

Mental Health Partners

Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

National Trans Lifeline 1-877-565-8860

If you’re supporting someone in a crisis, you can also contact these resources.

Supporting Our Community and Knowing the Warning Signs

You can support our community by learning the warning signs of suicide and what to do in a crisis:

Know the Warning Signs

There are a few ways to approach a suicide-related crisis:

• Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”
• Remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills
• Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?”
• If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time
• Express support and concern
• Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice
• Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong
• If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace
• Be patient

Visit the NAMI website for more information or contact the resources listed above.

Boulder County's 2023 Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, it is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, with 1287 suicides in Colorado in 2022, and each suicide profoundly affects many more people; and

WHEREAS, suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences; and

WHEREAS, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, which serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention; and

WHEREAS, by creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them, and that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling; and

WHEREAS, while suicide prevention is important to address year-round, World Suicide Prevention Day and Suicide Prevention Month provide a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength to address this difficult topic; and

WHEREAS, Boulder County residents, regardless of their ability to pay, can access 24/7 support through Colorado Crisis Services and Mental Health Partners; and

WHEREAS, Boulder County has recognized the significant need for those in suicidal crises, emotional distress and the impact of trauma, an emphasis and investment in resources for those in need for mental health navigation, mobile crisis response, and other community-based trusted resources has occurred through federal, regional, and local funding priorities is occurring; and

WHEREAS, Boulder County recognizes the disparate impact on communities of color, LGBTQ+, youth, and others impacted by the pandemic, natural disasters, and the Table Mesa mass shooting, the importance of a countywide approach to increasing equitable access to mental health and social resilience has been articulated in the community-driven Behavioral Health Roadmap.

Now therefore, the Boulder County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of Boulder County, do hereby proclaim that the month of September 2023 is recognized as Boulder County’s Suicide Prevention Month and encourages all residents to raise awareness of suicide prevention and treatment and to know the risks and warning signs for suicide and what to do in a crisis.

DATED this 29th day August 2023

• Contact the Board of County Commissioners

• View Commissioners' Meeting Documents and Records

• Visit the County Commissioners' webpage