EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — National Suicide Prevention Month is coming to an end now at the end of September, leading El Paso County Sheriff’s Office to remind citizens to take care of themselves and their families in light of the public health crisis.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has a staff psychologist who works for and with employees, helps emphasize the importance of Crisis Intervention Training certification for staff, helps build into the co-response patrol model (the Behavioral Health Connect teams) and partnerships with regional health and law enforcement agencies to include National Alliance on Mental Illness, UC Health, El Paso County Public Health, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the Fountain Police Department, the Manitou Springs Police Department, the Monument Police Department, the Calhan Police Department, the Green Mountain Falls Marshall’s Office, the Colorado State Patrol, as well as the military installations in the Pikes Peak Region.
The following information has been offered by the office for the community:
GENERAL WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
(Has someone shown or shared any of the following?)
Threatening to hurt or kill oneselfTalking, writing, or posting on social media about death, dying, or suicideFeeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, trappedActing recklessly or engaging in risky activitiesIncreasing alcohol or drug useWithdrawing from family, friends, or society
IMMINENT DANGER WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
Having a dramatic change in mood, more relief/calmGiving away possessions, saying goodbye to loved onesSeeking access to means (purchasing, stealing)Organized plan
HOW CAN YOU RESPOND
Ask if they are okay or if they are having thoughts about suicideExpress your concern about what you are observing in their behaviorListen closely and do not judgeReflect what they share and let them know they have been heardTell them they are not aloneLet them know there are resources available that can helpIf you or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help
RESOURCES
(for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or those who know and love them)
Colorado Crisis Services 844-493-TALK (8255); walk-in crisis service locations can be found at ColoradoCrisisServices.orgNAMI: 800-950-6264 (8AM-8PM MT) or Text “NAMI” to 741741 for 24/7 confidential, free crisis counseling#BeThe1To and Veterans National Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255) or Text 838255Safe-to-Tell: 877-542-7233 or Safe2Tell.org
***If you are or someone you know is in imminent danger of suicide and has access to the means to carry out his/her plan, don’t hesitate to call 911***
