Suicide in Mesa County Remains A Huge Problem

The tragic and sudden death of actor Robin Williams reminds us that suicide remains a huge issue in this country and in Western Colorado.

When I first heard of the death of Robin Williams, my first thought wasn't about the movies he had been in, or about his break-out TV series Mork and Mindy.

My first thought was simply wondering about what it was in his life that made him feel so hopeless. A wife, kids, wealth, an incredible professional career, world-wide fame- all of that, but yet, it wasn't enough to keep him alive.

I don't and can't understand those kinds of feelings, because I have never been there, and with God's help never will. But, I know those feelings of hopelessness exist in many people.

Nationwide, about 34,000 people take their own lives each year.  That's one every 15 minutes, twice the number of homicides.

In Mesa County, the number of suicides in 2013 was 29, down from an extremely high number of 47 suicides in 2012, but still higher rate than the rest of the state.

According to the Mesa County Health Department, the number of calls from Mesa County to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline has ballooned from 333 in 2009, to nearly 750 in 2013. It's clearly a huge problem, and there are no easy answers.

Awareness is one key, and identifying warning signs can help a lot. Familiarizing yourself with these signs could help you save the life of a friend or loved ones.

For those who are suffering from depression, and struggling with thoughts of suicide, knowing that help is available is paramount. There is good information on the suicide prevention website and the hotline is available 24 hours a day - 1-800-273 - TALK (8255). The Mesa County Suicide Prevention Crisis line is 970-241-6022.

Taking one's own life is one of the most tragic occurrences in our lives. Losing Robin Williams is shocking, sad, and tragic, and serves to remind us there are people living all around us who are struggling with the same types of demons and may be headed down the same path.