Suicide Prevention Program
People threaten and attempt to take their lives for many reasons. Too often, they are successful. Both verbal threats to commit suicide and actual suicide attempts can be seen as calls for help. More than 90% of suicide victims have a diagnosable psychiatric illness, most commonly a mood disorder. Other common conditions include schizophrenia, alcohol abuse/dependence, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. Depression, which can lead to suicidal feelings, can be the result of both biological and environmental factors.
The reasons for suicide attempts may change over a person’s lifetime. Research cannot capture all the causes for suicide but some contributing factors include:
- Lack of healthy emotional connection with friends, family or other caring adults.
- Misuse or abuse of alcohol and other substances.
- A prolonged sense of hopelessness, despair, and depression.
- Lack of access to mental health services.
Other risk factors include experiencing a recent painful event (such as job loss or loss of loved one), chronic medical illness, and a family history of suicide attempts or completions.
Find Help
Please refer to these Crisis Treatment hotlines for help.
Learn More
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
- Suicide Prevention Publications & Articles
- Suicide Prevention Resources
- Suicide Prevention Information
- Veterans Crisis Line
Recent Activity
News Articles
Latest
- Suicide and High School Students (September 9, 2015)
Publications
Latest
- Suicide in New Mexico Fact Sheet (Help)
- Suicide Fact Sheet (Help)
- Suicide Prevention National Strategic Plan 2012 (Plan)