High Youth Suicide Rate in El Paso County Continues

With reports of more recent youth suicides in Colorado Springs, one local suicide prevention group says the numbers are high. 

Between 17 and 18 teens completed suicide in 2016, according to Levi Johnson, a therapist at Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention.

He says there have been at least eight suicides among teenagers in as many months.

Johnson says it's important to ask a loved one if you think he or she might be suicidal, and it's natural to be afraid to have that talk.

"We're afraid to take action because 'What if I'm wrong?' Well, if you are wrong, at least it opens up the conversation. If you're right, then the conversation is definitely open, and there's more hope," he says.

Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention plans to distribute a mental health guide geared toward high schools with chapters on engaging parents and staff to recognize suicidal behavior, and how to respond to a suicide, among other advice. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call the Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-TALK or access services online here.