Suicide Prevention

Colorado Crisis Services

Immediate help available 24/7/365 for any mental health, substance use or emotional crisis:

Call: 1-844-493-8225

Text: TALK to 38255

Find Online Support at: www.ColoradoCrisisServices.org

As a member of the RTD transit community, you can help by providing a sense of belonging and connectedness to those in crisis. Social support within communities helps protect vulnerable persons from suicide by building connectedness and improving skills for coping with difficulties. Together, we can increase awareness about suicide prevention and get people the support they need.

Know the Signs

Certain warning signs may help determine if someone is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss or change. The following warning signs may help determine if someone is at risk for suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors do not cause or predict a suicide, rather they are characteristics that make it more likely an individual will consider, attempt or die by suicide. These risk factors cannot cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they are important to be aware of:

• Mental disorders-particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Help Make a Connection

If you or someone you know is in crisis, or needs help dealing with one, please encourage them to contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text "TALK" to 38255 to speak to a trained crisis counselor. Visit https://coloradocrisisservices.org/ to access chat services or view walk-in locations. Colorado Crisis Services provides immediate and confidential assistance, 24/7/365. 

RTD Transit Watch

Contact RTD Transit Watch to report someone you believe is in crisis on the transit system:

Call: 303-299-2911
Text: 303-434-9100
Email: transitwatch@rtd-denver.com