The stigma of asking for professional help still lingers but Teller County residents are more open about discussing mental health struggles.

The 4^th annual Teller County Suicide Awareness & Resilience Symposium Sept. 19 features residents who share their experiences of trauma from substance abuse, depression, postpartum depression and thoughts of suicide, for instance. Each has a message of hope. 

“People are dying by suicide every year, so we want this symposium to be accessible for as many people as possible so they can learn more about their community and that help available,” said Ashlee Shields, transformation manager for the Teller County Mental Health Alliance who coordinates the symposium.

One of the two keynote speakers, Ariel Knight, will talk about her suicide attempt and recovery from trauma.

“This will be the first time she’s spoken in front of people,” Shields said.

To address the perceived stigma associated with revealing mental health challenges, Cass Walton explores the underlying issues of why people don’t seek professional help.

Three breakout sessions throughout the day highlight the stories of locals who have signed up to share.

“We will have sessions around trauma and the marginalized, many of whom are more at risk for suicide, such as the LGBTQ community,” Shields said.

For the older generation, those over 75, the symposium includes ideas for navigating old age, a time when some tend to isolate.

“Sharleen Thornberry identifies with older people and the struggles they have around body changes, mental and physical health; at the symposium they can connect with each other,” Shields said. “We have a lot of older folks who live up here.”

A talk by Monique Ekker opens the world of people diagnosed with neurodivergence

Nancy Hartsfield, with the Aspen Mine Center, has agreed to tell her family’s story of love, loss and resilience.

“She has a history of mental health struggles in her family,” Shields said.

For paramedics and other first responders who suffer moral injury and compassion fatigue in the field, Dr. Ann Rush, co-founder of Status Code 4, will talk about the nonprofit organization that offers free counseling.

The documentary film “Pedicures are for Boys,” explores the way boys are taught to hide their emotions.  

“Can they cry or not” Shields said. “How do they express themselves? Suicide prevention starts there and how boys relate to pain.”

As marijuana has become more potent over the last few decades, Whitney Yeager will speak of the effects of THC on the developing brain while David Galvan offers hope through faith-based suicide prevention.

“I really want this to be community-based,” Shields said. “Everyone is invited to come, even those over the age of 13.”

The Teller County Suicide Awareness & Resilience Symposium is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Columbine Elementary School in Woodland Park.  The symposium will provide food, coffee and snacks in the morning and lunch at the noon hour. There is no charge and registration is at: https://impact.changeline.org/s3/2026-Suicide-Awareness-Symposium.