Suicide in Colorado

Some 1,287 Coloradans lost their lives to suicide in 2019. This was not only an increase from the year before — it was also a higher number of suicides than has ever been recorded in the state.

The rate of suicide in Colorado remained the same between 2018 and 2019, but the number of lives lost each year in the state has been slowly increasing since 2013. The most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in 2018, Colorado had one of the 10 highest age-adjusted suicide death rates in the nation, at 21.9 deaths per 100,000 people. Higher-than-national rates of death by suicide have been a consistent trend in Colorado, along with other mountain states like Montana and Wyoming.

These numbers are startling, but a closer look at the data — recently updated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) — sheds light on the myriad dynamics that are at play for this seventh-leading cause of death in our state.

In this report, the Colorado Health Institute (CHI) explores 10 data stories that illuminate how people’s lives may be impacted by suicide based on different risks or social and cultural identities. Each story includes highlights of just some of the resources and work being done nationally or locally to prevent suicide. 

While many of the stories focus on mental health as a risk factor, suicide is complex. Physical health challenges, lack of social supports, access to lethal methods, and situational causes like loss of a job or loved one can also contribute to the risk. As outlined in The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Implement the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Office of the Surgeon General on January 19, 2021, suicide prevention efforts need to address both environmental and individual factors that can contribute to suicide. This includes upstream factors like economic and financial stability, housing stability, and social connectedness. 

There is always hope, and many people and organizations in our state and nation are engaged in creating policies and communities that support the well-being of anyone who is at risk of suicide and those who have been affected by it. For those seeking help, Colorado Crisis Services is available for support 24/7 at 1.844.493.8255 or by texting TALK to 38255. Walk-in center locations are also available. 

STORY ONE: Mental Health Challenges Are a Risk Factor for Suicide — But Many Go Untreated

Many people who have died by suicide in Colorado were reported as having a current depressed mood or a diagnosed mental health problem like depression, anxiety, or other conditions such as schizophrenia. But less than a third were identified as currently receiving mental health care. 

As a state, Colorado has a higher prevalence of mental health issues and lower rates of access to care, according to Mental Health America’s 2021 State of Mental Health in America report. Colorado has an overall ranking of 47 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia, based on account 15 measures of mental health and substance use prevalence among adults and youth as well as access to care.

Access to mental health care remains a persistent challenge in Colorado: More than one in 10 Coloradans reported not getting needed treatment for mental health issues in 2019, according to the Colorado Health Access Survey. The number of suicide deaths where a current diagnosed mental health problem was reported has increased over time, but gaps in treatment persist.

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Policy changes aimed at improving access to mental health care may be partly responsible for the increase in diagnosis (see Figure 1): Between 2004-2008, prior to the implementation of key legislation like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which improved insurance coverage for mental health care, 38.0% of people who died by suicide in Colorado had a reported current diagnosed mental health problem.  After implementation of these policies, the rate increased to more than half (54.4% between 2014-2018). This likely reflects more people having access to at least an initial appointment with a mental health provider, or more awareness of mental health challenges on the part of primary care providers. 

Yet the number of people who died by suicide who were reported as receiving current mental health treatment has remained stubbornly unchanged at less than a third.  

The 2019 Colorado Health Access Survey found that cost and coverage were the largest barriers for people who didn’t get needed mental health services. A survey conducted by Gov. Jared Polis’ Behavioral Health Task Force echoed these findings, with 92% of respondents reporting concerns with access to care.

Policymakers are looking for ways to further improve access: The Task Force’s recently-released Blueprint for Behavioral Health Reform outlines steps to build a stronger system of care through addressing workforce shortages, improving affordability, and streamlining the system to ensure Coloradans can get care when they need it.

STORY TWO: Structural Racism Perpetuates Worse Health Outcomes Among People of Color

People of color in Colorado who died by suicide were less likely to have mental health treatment than white Coloradans, even though similar percentages of all groups were reported as having a current depressed mood (see Figure 2).

Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and Native American people experience higher rates of some mental health conditions, and yet they face disproportionately greater difficulties in accessing care than white people in Colorado. It is not race or ethnicity that inherently causes these disparities or perpetuates inequities, but structural racism and the differential access to services or opportunities by race, such as in the health care system. The 2018 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, which gives an overview of health care received in the U.S., found that compared to white patients, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander groups received worse care for 40% of the quality measures studied.

Exclusion and discrimination can also act as stressors (see: Systemic Racism and Health) and can manifest in the health care system through issues like lack of workforce diversity.

The behavioral health care system is already facing an overall workforce shortage, but even fewer providers offer culturally and linguistically competent care for people of color. The demand for psychologists among non-white racial and ethnic groups is expected to grow by 24% from 2015 to 2030. While people of color make up about 28% of the nation’s population, in 2015, only 14% of psychologists in the U.S. workforce were non-white.

Cultural beliefs and stigma related to mental health can also lead people to avoid care. Understanding and addressing this is important to ensuring culturally responsive care. But if there are few providers from diverse backgrounds or a lack of training in these issues for current providers, inequities in access to care and quality of care will persist (see: Stigma and Protective Factors).

There are national efforts to create a more diverse behavioral health workforce, such as the Minority Fellowship Program sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program aims to improve behavioral health care outcomes across racial and ethnic groups by increasing the number of people with diverse backgrounds in the field, and by improving the cultural competency of existing health care providers. Additionally, many groups have created mental health provider directories to help people find therapists and support from providers with whom they identify. Colorado’s Office of Suicide Prevention recently released a draft statement and action plan that acknowledges the office’s role, commitment, and ability to dismantle racism and apply a racial equity lens to its work.

STORY THREE: Colorado’s Youth Face Multiple Risk Factors

Over the past 10 years, the number and rate of suicide deaths among Colorado residents ages 15-19 has been increasing (see Figure 3). Crisis Point, a project that examines youth suicide in Colorado, reports that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, economic downturn, and racial injustice across the nation will negatively affect the mental health of youth, and that increased anxiety, loss of social connection, and a potential rise in domestic violence will increase the risk for suicide and need for mental health services. For youth, lack of a trusted adult, death of a loved one, pressure to perform well in school, and bullying are also risk factors for suicide.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) youth are also at increased risk for suicide due to discrimination, harassment, and lack of resources. The 2019 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey found that 42.0% of students who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual reported seriously considering attempting suicide during the past year, compared to 13.4% of students who identify as heterosexual.  One in five (20.7%) of these students also reported attempting suicide at least once during the past 12 months, compared to 5.4% of heterosexual students (see Figure 4). 

All youth can use Colorado Crisis Services if they are having suicidal thoughts or to talk about school, bullying, relationships, or substance use by texting TALK to 38255. One Colorado advocates for policies that support the health of all LGBTQ Coloradans, including young people. For LGBTQIA+ youth in Boulder County, the Open and Affirming Sexual Orientation and gender identity Support (OASOS) program leads peer youth groups and provides other resources to support youth. The Trevor Project also provides immediate crisis intervention. They are available 24/7 at 1.866.488.7386 or by texting START to 678.678.

STORY FOUR: Substance Use Is a Risk Factor — And Numbers Among Colorado’s Young People Are Concerning

Substance use can be a risk factor for suicide. Alcohol has consistently been the top substance detected among suicide deaths in Colorado, but over the past five years, marijuana has become the second highest (20.4% of all deaths). Opiates and benzodiazepines are not far behind (18.9% and 16.6%, respectively).

Colorado’s Amendment 64, which passed in November 2012, allows for personal possession and growing of recreational marijuana in the state. Recreational and medical marijuana became fully regulated and commercialized in 2014. 

While marijuana presence in suicide deaths in Colorado had been rising since 2011 (see Figure 5), over the five years after commercialization, detection of marijuana in suicides increased for all Coloradans except those ages 10-14 compared to the five years prior (see Figure 6). This includes a notable increase among youth ages 15-19, who legally should not have access to marijuana.  

From 2014-2018, 30% of suicide deaths among youth ages 15-19 had marijuana present, an increase from 19.8% during 2009-2013.  Alcohol was present in 12.1% of suicide deaths among 15- to 19-year-olds between 2014-2018, which is similar to past years, but still raises concerns over access to substances among youth (see Figure 7). The 2019 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey found that over half of Colorado students felt it would be easy or very easy to get marijuana and alcohol if they wanted.  

Marijuana’s health impacts have been heavily debated for years. While usage has been linked to mental illness, such as a higher risk for depression or anxiety, causation has not been established. However, the increased potency of modern-day products raises more concerns about negative health impacts.

CDPHE has been working with local counties to implement the Communities That Care model for substance misuse prevention among youth. For those seeking support for themselves, Rise Above Colorado is an organization that empowers teens to live healthy lives.

STORY FIVE: Physical Health Challenges Are Linked to Suicide Among Older Adults

About 14% of suicides in Colorado each year are among older adults (those over age 65), which is higher than the national average and places Colorado among the top 10 states for suicide among this group in 2020, according to America’s Health Rankings. The most commonly reported circumstance among older adult suicides in Colorado is a contributing physical health problem. The CDC reports that 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure, and 50% have at least two conditions. Losing the ability to be physically independent can be a contributing factor to poor mental health, which is often undiagnosed among older adults.

In the past decade, only 37.5% of adults age 65 and older who died by suicide in Colorado were reported as having a current diagnosed mental health problem, despite over half being reported as having a current depressed mood.  On the other hand, 75.3% had a known contributing physical health problem (see Figure 8).  

Screening for mental health concerns should occur in all older adult patients in the same way physical health problems are monitored. When it comes to suicide prevention, older adults are often a “forgotten population” — a group that is often not thought of when it comes to health promotion and disease prevention efforts.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention lists simple actions, such as regularly checking in with loved ones via phone or video chat, to make sure older adults are not forgotten. And the Institute on Aging provides a 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line for adults over 60, including those living with disabilities. The line may be accessed by calling 800.971.0016. Watching for warning signs among older adults can help — as can understanding that depression is not an inevitable part of aging.

STORY SIX: Veterans’ Lived Experiences Can Pose Unique Risks

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Data show that in Colorado, suicide among veterans has been increasing. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report found that in 2018, the unadjusted suicide rate among veterans in Colorado was 43.0 per 100,000 people. After accounting for age differences, the VA determined that Colorado’s veteran suicide rate was significantly higher than both the national veteran suicide rate and the national general population’s suicide rate.

Veterans have different lived experiences from civilians. It takes bravery to serve our country, but experiences related to combat and stress can result in poor health outcomes if left unaddressed. In addition to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), common risk factors for suicide -— such as limited independence, homelessness, or chronic health conditions – can be exacerbated by military service.

Data from the past five years show that 54.0% of suicides among veterans age 20 and older had a contributing physical health problem, compared to 35.7% of suicides among non-veterans in the same age group (see Figure 9).  And although older adults in general are more likely to have a contributing physical health problem, the same discrepancy exists between older adult veterans and non-veterans. 

Access to health care services may be an issue. A March 2019 Executive Order known as the National Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End Suicide noted that 70% of veterans who died by suicide had not recently received health care services from the VA.  This order set in motion The President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS). One of the priorities of PREVENTS is creating streamlined access to mental health and suicide prevention care. Given this national effort and local ones such as the Follow-Up Services program through Colorado Crisis Services, there is hope to turn the tide in the coming years.

The National Alliance on Mental Illnesses’ Veterans and Active Duty page focuses on common questions and concerns military personnel have when seeking behavioral health care. The Veterans Crisis Line is also available 24/7 at 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255), ext. 1. In addition, responders are also available through a text to 838255 or via online chat. 

STORY SEVEN: Men in Colorado Are More at Risk

In our state, the rate of suicide among men is over three times higher than among women (29.2 and 8.8 suicide deaths per 100,000 people, respectively).  Yet males who died by suicide were less likely to be reported as having a current diagnosed mental health problem or having ever been treated for a mental health problem.  Data show similar trends among youth ages 10-19. (CDPHE’s data captures whether a person is identified as male or female on their death certificate. The Department hopes to report data on suicides among transgender people in future releases.)

Mental health is not the only risk factor (see Figure 10). Men and women may also react differently in situations of despair, such as during unemployment, or in reaction to a loss of a loved one or a relationship problem. In Colorado, men were more likely to die by methods that leave little time for intervention and are more likely to be fatal, such as firearms, and hanging/suffocation.

Stigma surrounding mental health or expectations tied to masculine norms -— such as those that encourage men to be self-reliant and hide their emotions — can harm mental health and cause many men not to acknowledge concerns or avoid seeking care when they need it.

Increasingly, groups are working to tackle this problem. Efforts to raise awareness among men and normalize behavioral health care include Man Therapy, a campaign that uses humor to encourage men to proactively address their mental health. And with high-profile athletes and celebrities like Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott openly discussing their own mental health struggles, there is more encouragement for young men to hold open conversations and not shy away from seeking care.

STORY EIGHT: Construction Has the Highest Suicide Rate by Industry in Colorado

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Data show that almost every year, construction is associated with the highest number of suicide deaths of any industry in Colorado. This mirrors a national trend: Construction workers are five times more likely to die by suicide than from a work-related injury. This highlights the need for better understanding of work-related risk factors for suicide, such as long work hours and physical labor coupled with increased financial incentive to work overtime. Construction is a male-dominated industry, and stigma may also play a role in some construction workers’ hesitation to seek mental health treatment.

While more research is needed to better understand prevention strategies and interventions that decrease the suicide rate in the construction industry, there are organizations dedicated to increasing awareness and providing support for these workers. For example, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention provides contractors, unions, associations, industry service providers, and project owners with suicide prevention resources. The Alliance has also partnered with agencies, such as the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to explore how suicide prevention can be promoted through federal programs.

STORY NINE: Firearms Were Involved in More Rural Suicide Deaths

Studies have shown that across the U.S., access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risk. Half of Colorado’s suicide deaths involved firearms and firearm ownership tends to be higher in rural areas. This is a cause for concern in areas of the state outside the Front Range. 

Between 2014 and 2019, deaths by suicide in rural areas were more likely to involve a firearm compared to urban areas (see Figure 11). The county with the highest firearm-involved suicide rate in this timeframe was Custer, a rural-designated county, at 37.1 deaths per 100,000 people.  This rate is six times higher than that of the county with the lowest firearm-involved suicide rate: Gilpin, a small county west of Denver with an urban designation, at 5.9 per 100,000.  Denver itself has the second-lowest rate at 6.8 per 100,000 people. 

Suicide attempts with a firearm are more likely to be fatal, and they leave a smaller window of time to reach out for help.

Although the relationship between rurality and mental health is still being studied, collaborations between groups like the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and Colorado Crisis Services are working to tailor and expand mental health resources to people living in rural areas. And the Colorado Gun Shop Project promotes suicide prevention at retailers and other organizations in the firearm industry.

For immediate needs, Colorado Crisis Services is available 24/7 by calling 1.844.493.8255 or texting TALK to 38255.

STORY 10: Suicide Is Preventable

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Since 2004, more than one-third (33.6%) of Coloradans who lost their lives to suicide had recently disclosed their intent to someone.  In other words, within a month prior to their death, more than 4,500 people had explicitly or indirectly shared their thoughts or intent of suicide with others.  

Prevention is possible. And it can take place long before immediate crisis intervention is ever needed.  

While 2020 was difficult for a multitude of reasons, the need to support Coloradans’ mental health and to identify ways to intervene before a crisis existed long before the pandemic began. But we are resilient. Nine out of 10 people who attempt suicide and survive will not die by suicide later in life — a reminder that recovering from dark times or suicidal thoughts is possible. And whether through addressing our own mental health challenges or working to improve access to care and society’s ability to be responsive to the needs of all people, we can work toward a new better to strengthen our communities.

This can happen by staying socially connected and holding open conversations about mental health, so no one has to struggle alone. It requires understanding that people of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, profession, or geography can be at risk for suicide, and that though we all have unique experiences and behaviors, knowing and watching for warning signs can make an enormous difference. Even more importantly, we all must support policies and leadership that can improve the root causes of many mental health stressors.