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The onset of winter means a lot of things here in Routt County — the excitement of another ski season, the promise of increased business in the local economy and the anticipation of celebrating the holiday season with friends and family.

But it also signals the time of year when depression is most prevalent and when suicidal thoughts and attempts peak. The emotions wrought by the holiday season coupled with the darkness and isolation of long Northwest Colorado winters are enough to make winter the most dangerous season for those friends, coworkers and family members who are battling depression and thoughts of suicide. The state of the economy stands to make the winter of 2009-10 even more dangerous as many in our community struggle financially to make ends meet for themselves and their families.

As much as we may not want to believe it, or struggle to understand it, depression and suicide are serious issues in Routt County. Learning to recognize the symptoms in ourselves and others is only part of the solution. Equally important is taking the initial step to get help for yourself or those close to you.

Fortunately, those resources exist here in Routt County. Steamboat Mental Health provides a 24-hour, on-call crisis clinician who can be reached by calling 970-879-2141. Calling Routt County Dispatch at 970-879-1090 is another quick way of getting connected with the right resources.

Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide, a local nonprofit organization, also provides free support groups. A Bipolar and Depression support group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in Conference Room 2 at Yampa Valley Medical Center. A Suicide Attempters Support Group for those who have attempted or contemplated suicide meets from noon to 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Rollingstone Respite House. Finally, the Heartbeat Support Group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in the VNA Comfort Room at the hospital. For information on any of the support groups, call Ronna Autrey at 970-875-2941.

These are some of the signs of depression that we should all be aware of:

■ Lack of sleep or oversleeping

■ Loss of appetite or overeating

■ Feelings or statements of hopelessness and worthlessness

■ Drastic, noticeable changes in behavior

■ Noticeable changes in drug or alcohol use and abuse

■ Reckless behavior

■ Thoughts or expressions about dying or suicide

■ Withdrawal from friends, family and typical activities or engagements

In the past year, area men in their mid-30s to 50s have been a particularly high-risk group. Experts attribute it to feelings of pride and the self-expectation that men are supposed to be able to take care of their families.

Tragically, many people don’t seek help when they first notice symptoms in themselves or others.

We sometimes think these things will solve themselves or that we’re overreacting. But it’s never wrong to seek help for someone you think might need it. Taking that first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important.

Never hesitate to reach out for yourself or those you care about. A simple phone call can turn a life around — and potentially prevent one from being lost prematurely.