New survey shows in comparison with state average, more El Paso County teens have suicidal thoughts
The Healthy Kids Colorado 2017 survey just released last week shows, in comparison with statewide averages, more El Paso County teens struggle with suicidal thoughts and actions.
The statewide survey shows 20.7 percent of El Paso County teens seriously considered suicide, which is roughly 3 percent higher than the statewide average.
The survey also showed 8.7 percent El Paso County teens attempted to take their own life over the past year, and 15.7 percent said they made a plan to take their own life. Both of those statistics showed higher than the statewide average as well.
“We need to stay vigilant, this is not an issue that has gone away yet,” Meghan Haynes, Teen Suicide Prevention Planner for the El Paso County Health Department said.
Haynes said she finds hope in the survey too, like how connected teens said they are or the extracurricular activities they’re participating in, they’re part of what Haynes calls protective factors.
“It points to the importance to use resourcing appropriately to be those people who help young people when they’re struggling,” Haynes said.
The El Paso County Health Department said to be on the lookout for warning signs in teens struggling with suicidal thoughts. Find information on how to recognize warning signs, and talk with your children here: https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/services/teen-suicide-prevention
Resources:
