
Teen Suicide : A Rising Trend in Colorado Springs
Written by Cristo Rogers, Posted on , in Section Therapy News
Suicide has become a sort of macabre, rising trend in the city of Colorado Springs. As teenagers and young adults kill themselves in record numbers, one would think that would be enough to urge people into taking the necessary steps in providing treatment for their city's young. However, as of October 2016, statistics show that Colorado Springs' mental health services for teens and young adults are lacking in resources... to say the least.
Teen Suicide : A Rising Trend in Colorado Springs
Teenage suicide is trending in Colorado. In fact, suicide was the number one killer of teens ages 10 to 17, from 2010-2014. According to the Child Fatality Prevention System, teen suicide is responsible for more child deaths than fatal car crashes during those four years.
According to Doyle Forrestal, CEO of the Colorado Behavioral Health Council, school leaders are reaching out for help. Doyle says that school leaders are calling her saying that school systems need a therapeutic counselor on staff who is qualified to treat mental illness. Thus far, however, school leaders' pleas for on-campus therapeutic staff have yet to be answered.
No one knows why teens are killing themselves in almost epidemic numbers. However, with Colorado Springs' statistics proving teen suicide is a growing concern within their community, one could surmise that investing in mental health services should be politicians number one concern. Only time will tell whether the system can save the lives of Colorado's mentally unstable youth by providing the proper therapeutic services their city's future deserve.
Attention: For those who live in Colorado, If you or anyone you know is severely depressed and is contemplating suicide, please call 844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255. These call lines are connected to the state’s 24/7 crisis walk-in centers and can dispatch mobile crisis services too. Teachers, parents and school counselors will drop everything to help you; just ask.
To learn more about Colorado Springs rising number of teenage suicides, click the link below:
Colorado Springs is in the midst of a teen suicide cluster
That should be more than enough to scare adults into action to improve adolescent mental health care in Colorado — and there is much room for improvement.
via http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/25/colorado-springs-teen-suicides-highlight-gap-in-mental-health-services/