As National Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close today, the deputies and professional staff of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the citizens of this amazing county in which we serve, work, and live, of our enduring commitment to addressing this significant public health crisis. The destructive effects of suicide on families and our community as a whole require a concerted and determined effort by all of us to show those vulnerable to suicide among us the inherent value of their life and the hope for a future free from the tragic consequences of self-harm.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office takes great pride in providing a staff psychologist who works diligently to foster positive mental health for our employees, in our emphasis on providing Crisis Intervention Training certification for our staff, for our growing mental health co-response patrol model (the Behavioral Health Connect (BHCON) teams), and our committed partnerships with regional health and law enforcement agencies to include NAMI, 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 is provided to empower and equip all of us to combat suicide where we live and work:
GENERAL WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE (Has someone shown or shared any of the following?)
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
- Talking, writing, or posting on social media about death, dying, or suicide
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, trapped
- Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or society
IMMINENT DANGER WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
- Having a dramatic change in mood, more relief/calm
- Giving away possessions, saying goodbye to loved ones
- Seeking access to means (purchasing, stealing)
- Organized plan
HOW CAN YOU RESPOND
- Ask if they are okay or if they are having thoughts about suicide
- Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior
- Listen closely and do not judge
- Reflect what they share and let them know they have been heard
- Tell them they are not alone
- Let them know there are resources available that can help
- If 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.org
- NAMI: 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 838255
- Safe-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***
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