September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in El Paso County for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
Colorado Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services is the statewide behavioral health crisis response system offering residents mental health, substance use or emotional crisis help, information and referrals. Its mission is to strengthen Colorado’s mental health system by providing Coloradans with greater access to crisis services wherever they are at 24/7/365 regardless of ability to pay.
844-493-8255 or text 'TALK' to 38255
https://coloradocrisisservices.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Dial 988 or text 'TALK' to 988
Diversus Health Lighthouse Walk-in Crisis Center
115 S Parkside Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Opened 24 Hours
https://diversushealth.org/locations/lighthouse-acute-services-and-walk-in-center/
(719) 572-6100
Colorado Suicide Resource Directory
It is important to the mission of Convenient Colorado Counseling to provide Colorado resources for suicide prevention that you can easily access when you need them most. Below is a directory for crisis care in Colorado listed by county. Click on your county to find your local in-patient centers, walk-in crisis centers, hospitals, and resources. If you know of a resource we have not included that you feel would belongs on the directly, please contact us.
https://convenientcoloradocounseling.com/colorado-suicide-resources/
(719) 755- 2158
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
