Why talk about suicide?
Suicide is the leading cause of death for youths in Colorado. Parents, primary caregivers and family members are often a students’ best supporters. They care deeply about their student, and they are invested in continuing to see this young person grow and thrive. While having open and honest conversations about suicide can be challenging, it is crucial for preventing suicide and supporting the mental health and well-being of your child. By being supportive and proactive, you can help your child feel heard, understood, and empowered to seek help when they need it.
What are teens saying…
We talk to teens across Larimer county. They have told us that they really do think about mental health differently. Let’s look at the myths that we adults still believe that kids just don’t.
Why does my teen need to learn about suicide prevention?
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1 in 6 students will consider suicide. In Colorado, suicide is the leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24-years old. Chances are that during the time they are in school, they or someone they know will need mental health support. REPLY gives them information on how to and empowers them to seek help.
Talking to teens about can be difficult. Download Robbie’s Hope Adult Handbook: A guide by teens on how to talk to teens
Therapy can really help.
Research shows that when a person gets help and follows through, 85% will not continue to have thoughts of suicide. I MATTER COLORADO provides FREE therapy to youths in Colorado.
Get trained in suicide prevention!
QPR is a nationally recognized suicide prevention gatekeeper training for adults. ASP offers this free 60-90 minute adult suicide prevention training virtually to any interested party. This 90-minute training will teach you how to recognize if someone is in or developing a mental health crisis and how to respond. This holds the same weight as a CPR certification. click the link below to sign up.
QPR (QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER
Local Resources
Colorado Crisis Services: (844) 493-8255 or text TALK to 38255
coloradocrisisservices.org
Colorado crisis line as trained clinical experts for crisis as well as non-crisis peer support options available.
SummitStone: (970 ) 494-4200
summitstonehealth.org/services/crisis-services/
Walk-in clinic at the crisis center, open 8am – midnight at 1217 Riverside Ave. Fort Collins. They also have a 24/7 crisis line and a mobile unit that can assess youth where they are.
CAYAC: (970) 221-5551
healthdistrict.org/cayac
“Not meant for crisis”. Matches students to therapist specifically tailored to each person.
Robbie’s Hope: (720) 633-0817
robbies-hope.com
Organization run by teens, for teens. They’re not just peer support but also an organization that teaches adults and parents about the importance of mental health and how to be there for youth/their kids.
Zero Suicide Toolkit
The Toolkit uses research, tools, and videos to walk implementers through putting the Zero Suicide framework into practice.
Stay informed
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey
40% of Colorado High Schoolers felt sad and/or hopeless for 2 week or more in the last year.
Articles & Support
LGBTQ+ Resources for Parents
PFLAG pflag.org
The nation’s first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. PFLAG Fort Collins
Video: What Does Two-Spirit Mean?
Video: ALOK: The Urgent Need for Compassion
A Brief History on the Singular “They”
National Center for Transgender Equality: How to be respectful and supportive.
LGBTQ+ Resources for Youth
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 or text START to 678678
thetrevorproject.org
Available to serve all LGBTQ+ youth across the country 24/7 to chat/connect to resources in the student’s area.
SPLASH Youth of Northern Colorado
Inclusive Youth Groups, Special Events, Resources, Connections and more.
Queer Asterisk offers counseling to individuals of all ages (locations in Denver, Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins; Telehealth)
Yarrow Collective: Peers of Larimer / Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Peer support education and advocacy. Peer Support groups
ECHO peer support groups for teens ages 14-18 who struggle with mental health, every Tuesday from 5-6:30pm in Fort Collins at the Matthews House (415 Mason Ct. #1). Free, drop-in, confidential space. Facilitators are trained peer support specialists. FAQ here and email: silen.wellington@yarrowcollective.org with further questions.
