Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Every September, communities across the country pause for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to talk openly about a topic that too many of us are taught to whisper about. In Colorado, this conversation matters more than almost anywhere else in the nation. Colorado has long ranked among the states with the highest suicide rates in the country. In 2024, 1,306 Coloradans lost their lives to suicide, with a fatality rate of 20.83 per 100,000 people. With this rate s having held steady for the past decade, this is not a passing crisis; it is a persistent crisis that requires sustained attention throughout the year, rather than just a single month of hashtags.
Some patterns are worth understanding, because they point directly to where prevention efforts can make the biggest difference:
The suicide rate among men in Colorado is more than three times higher than among women.
Veterans make up about 7% of Colorado's population but accounted for 21% of firearm-related suicide deaths in 2023.
In 2024, the youth suicide rate for ages 10-18 was the lowest observed in recent tracking. Prevention work is not futile; it's showing up in the data.
Perhaps the most important fact of all: the vast majority of people who have thoughts of suicide never attempt, and of those who do attempt and survive, more than 90% will not go on to die by suicide later. Crisis is often temporary, even when it doesn't feel that way. Survivors are where we learn what actually helps.
Awareness only matters if it turns into action. A few things anyone in Colorado can do:
Learn the warning signs: Withdrawal, giving away possessions, increased substance use, talking about being a burden, or a sudden sense of calm after a period of despair can all be signals worth taking seriously.
Ask directly: Research consistently shows that asking someone "Are you thinking about suicide?" does not plant the idea - it opens a door. [P.S. I’ve had to do this many times, I’ll practice with you, reach out! - Amanda]
Store firearms and medications securely: Especially in households going through a hard season. This single step is one of the most evidence-backed prevention strategies we have.
Be the trusted adult: Young people who have even one adult they can turn to are measurably more protected against suicide risk.
Check on the people who "seem fine”
Save 988 in your phone right now: Not for someday, but for today, so it's there the moment it's needed.
Colorado's mountains, trails, and wide-open skies draw people here for space and freedom, but real resilience comes from connection, not isolation. This September, consider it a small but real act of community care to check in on a neighbor, a coworker, or a friend who's gone quiet. You don't need the right words. You just need to show up.
If this post raises anything difficult for you personally, please know that support is immediate and free: call or text 988, or visit 988Colorado.com to chat with someone right now.