Throughout Boulder County, September has been proclaimed as Suicide Prevention Month, signaling a time when the community's attention is intensely focused on the stark realities of suicide and what can be done to prevent it. A recent proclamation from the Boulder County Commissioners is more than mere formality, it's a call to action for residents to acknowledge the seriousness of suicide and to become better educated on how to confront this crisis head-on. According to the declaration, knowing the risks, recognizing the warning signs, and understanding how to intervene during a crisis are pivotal steps in working towards the prevention of suicide, as detailed by Boulder County.
Recognizing that suicide prevention must remain on the top of our minds year-round, the dedicated observance serves to amplify collective efforts. Boulder County has made strides to provide accessible resources to those in crisis, launching the WellMind Connection. This service is freely available to all community members, whether or not they're able to pay, and helps people to hurriedly find critical behavioral health, mental health, and substance use treatment services. The initiative is backed by 24/7 accessible assistance through phone, online, and in-person mediums. Residents can reach out to the Colorado Crisis Services by dialing 1-844-493-8255 or texting TALK to 38255, available in both English and Spanish, as stated by Boulder County.
Additionally, Boulder citizens can engage with the Mental Health Partners, the Trevor Project, and the National Trans Lifeline among others. The Trevor Project can be contacted at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678-678, and those in need can call the National Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860. If someone is supporting a person in a crisis, these resources are available to lean on for guidance and assistance. As the community bands together, learning the warning signs becomes a shared responsibility.
Effective communication and response are critical when confronting potential suicide situations. Opening a dialogue is imperative, and questions mustn't be shied away from, like: Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself? It's crucial to keep the environment safe by removing any means such as firearms or excessive medications that could be used in an attempt. Simple, direct questions such as Can I help you call your psychiatrist? can serve as lifelines in moments of desperation. The NAMI website offers additional information, and according to their guidelines, it's also important to maintain a supportive and calm demeanor throughout the encounter, abstaining from arguments or hostility which could exacerbate an already volatile situation.
