New Mexico suicide death rates remain relatively unchanged

September is suicide prevention month, a time to raise awareness

Source: N.M. Department of Health

New Mexico 2022 suicide death numbers remained relatively the same compared to 2021 with 520 deaths in 2021 and 513 deaths in 2022. Suicide continues to be a serious and persistent public health threat in New Mexico.

In 2022, the most recent data available, New Mexico had the fourth highest suicide rate (24.7 per 100,000 residents) in the United States. In the same year New Mexico’s age adjusted suicide rate was 74% higher than the U.S. as a whole. Over the past decade suicide deaths in the state have increased by 18%, from 435 deaths in 2012 to 513 suicide deaths in 2022, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth).

“Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting effects on communities” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMHealth. “Preventing suicide requires many strategies, but everyone can help by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and working to foster healthy connections and safe environments.

During National Suicide Prevention month there are ways each of us can take action to help prevent suicide:

Acknowledging and talking about suicide with others has been proven to reduce suicidal ideation.
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call or text the New Mexico 988 Crisis and Access line for free, confidential, non-judgmental support. You can learn more about this program at nmcrisisline.com.
Veterans can call the U.S. Veterans Crisis Line operated by the Department of Veteran’s Services to connect service members and veterans in crisis. Dial 800-273-8255 and press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255.
LGBTQ+ support can be found online, by text or phone from GLSEN or the Jason Foundation.
Storing firearms safely can also help to reduce suicide. In 2022, nearly 58% of suicide deaths in the state involved a firearm. Contact NMHealth to order a free gun lock to prevent firearm injury.

“Preventing suicide deaths in New Mexico is essential to our goal of making New Mexico the healthiest state by 2040,” said Patrick Allen, NMHealth Secretary. “NMHealth is committed to continuing all of our work with the Legislature, national organizations, state and local groups and more to turn this problem around.”

According to the National Council for Suicide Prevention risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely a person will attempt or die by suicide. They include:

Alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Mental illnesses.
History of trauma or abuse.
Family health history.
Easy access to lethal means.
Stigma or sense of isolation associated with asking for help.

Learn more about NMHealth’s work to prevent suicide deaths at NMHealth’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention. If you are interested in covering this topic, please contact NMHealth’s Communications Director, Robert Nott, at 505-479-0147.

Article posted by:

Levi Gwaltney

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