In the last 12 months, 5.5% of youth in Colorado have attempted suicide at least once. Rise Against Suicide is a local non-profit organization that was created to address this problem by providing immediate and free help to youth and families in need.

I met with Elise Ertl, the communications manager at Rise Against Suicide for over a year. “I take care of all the communications,” she says, “all our social media, our marketing, anything with journalists, media, anything like that.” Ertl was inspired to join the Rise team due to a personal connection. “I lost a friend to suicide in high school,” she explains, “I know what it’s like to lose somebody.” Ertl was also very active in her high school, trying to get more guidance counselors for the school and advocating for better mental health resources. By working at Rise, she could continue her journey to improve access to life-saving care.

Ertl explains why she believes Rise’s mission is necessary. “We are in a youth mental health crisis, where we see it just keeps getting worse and worse every year.”  Mental health problems in adolescents (ages 10-19) have always been more common than in other age demographics, according to Education Week. It is known to be a period of life when many mental health disorders emerge. Although the reason is somewhat unknown, many believe that this is a result of the brain forming new connections, and therefore having more capability for stress and sadness. 

But if this has always been an issue, why is it that about thirteen years ago, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide began to climb so steeply? “There is a bunch of research out there,” says Ertl, “that…has talked about technology and the rise of depression and anxiety and how that has made youth feel more isolated.” Ertl was a high schooler in 2012, the year regarded as the beginning of the youth mental health crisis, and says that she noticed a big shift in depression and anxiety then. Unfortunately, the trend has only worsened since. “Obviously, technology isn’t the only factor, but just an example [of] one of the challenges that youth face and why resources like [Rise] are necessary.”

In 2002, the Second Wind Fund, stationed in Denver, was created to prevent youth suicides. Then, in 2019, Rise Against Suicide broke off from the Second Wind Fund and became its own organization, focusing on Boulder County. At first, Rise was extremely small. 

Ertl describes Rise’s beginnings, having only $13,000 in the bank and “a lot of hope”. Despite its size, however, Rise had big goals. In the few years since 2019, Rise has helped 1,500 youth and provided 12,000 free therapy sessions.

Rise’s main purpose is to provide free access to therapy for any struggling youth under the age of nineteen, and they have a process in place to make that happen. First, any young person must be referred to Rise. Ertl explains that this usually happens through a QRS or Qualified Referral Source. A QRS is a person, like a school counselor, interventionist, or teacher. Youth can also request a suicide risk assessment from Rise if they are older than twelve.

Next, the young person, with help from the QRS, will be able to choose a therapist that is the best fit and has partnered with Rise. “We have,” says Ertl, “a network of 35 therapists.” Rise is continuing to build a larger and more diverse roster. This is important, she explains, because that way “we can cover all of our bases and make sure that those needs are being met.” For example, if a young person is on the autism spectrum, they need to be paired with someone that had worked with or has experience with those on the autism spectrum. 

Next, the selected therapist will get in touch with the young person within 24 to 72 hours to set up an initial appointment, something that is very unique about Rise. From there, Rise clients have access to 10 free sessions, since part of Rise’s goal is to alleviate the financial burden of mental health care. Youth, or their families, will never see a bill.

Rise also has many community engagement initiatives. For example, every year Rise holds the eMERGE 5K. This race is Rise’s biggest annual fundraiser, which was held at the Boulder Reservoir this year. The race is described as a movement and a chance for people to come together to promote suicide awareness and prevention, whether that means participating in the race or volunteering. “We usually have a lot of high school volunteers that help set up,” says Ertl. 

Rise also hosts the Holiday Star Program. Starting November 14th, participating businesses and locations put up stars with names and ages to represent the (anonymous) youth that Rise Against Suicide serves. It is a great way for people in Boulder County to donate to the program.

There are many opportunities for Boulder High Students to be a part of the movement to prevent youth suicide. Alongside participation and volunteering at the above events, Rise has general volunteers, and students can even help the organization make social media videos or provide guidance on ways to reach youth. 

Beyond Rise, Ertl says that the more students can do to destigmatize suicide, the better chance we have of preventing it. “A lot of people are afraid to say the word, and a lot of people are afraid to talk about it because it is such a heavy topic.”

Moving forward, Rise hopes to extend its reach to other counties and areas and provide access to more youth in need.

The services that Rise Against Suicide provides are truly life-saving. “Our resources,” says Ertl, “are always going to be available to help. They’re always going to be free, they’re always going to be accessible, and we’re always going to do everything we can get you that help. You are not alone.”