Almost every one of us knows a family that has been impacted by a suicide.  These families are devastated and the community is as well.  All of our mental health is impacted when someone we know have committed suicide. 

In New Mexico, 1 in 4 people in New Mexico experience mental illness.  75% of lifetime mental illness begins by the age of 24.  90% of suicide victims have a mental health condition.  Today I would like to share some information about suicide and a tool that we are hoping to get out into our communities.

•  Suicides in NM increased by 9% from 2023 to 2024.
•  It is the 3^rd leading cause of death for those aged 5 -17 in New Mexico
• Suicide affects all demographic groups and has lasting impact on the family and in the community
•  The latest NM Data shows that for Quay County in 2024 is 15.1 per 100,000  (I interpret this as about 1.5 in Quay County)

There is Hope!

Things are improving according to an epidemiologist with Presbyterian Community Health

• NM BERFS Data show the 23.8% of Quay County Adult Population reported 14 or more poor mental health days a year from 2021 – 2023.  Which has decreased 7.03% from the 2019-2020 report.
• Quay County had a 66.4 rate per 100,000 for Deaths of Despair in 2023 which is down 26.4% from 2020
• 26.6% Quay County youth reported feelings of Sadness and Hopelessness in 1013 which is down 26.6% since 2021 according to YRRS

However, from Jan – Sept of 2025, 56 people were admitted to the Dan C Trigg ER for suicidal evaluation.  These people were provided with local help or transferred to a facility for help.   There are many more, who are suffering without support.

we need your help in spreading the word that there is hope and help!   The more we talk about Mental Health Support, the less stigma around getting help.

Myths about Suicide

• Talking about suicide will increase the chance a person will act on it
• People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention
• Suicide can’t be prevented
• People who take their own lives are selfish and weak
• Barriers on bridges, safe firearm storage and other actions to reduce access to lethal methods of suicide don’t work
• Suicide always occurs without warming
• Treatment and medication don’t work.

We need to let people know that it is OK to talk about problems because everyone has problems.  Life is not perfect.

Connection with other people is a strong protective factor.  The most important thing you can do for your mental health is to get enough sleep.

Warning signs of Suicide

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless
• Talking about feeling trapped
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

We have created a Life Preserver Program.  We ask that you share these cards out into the community and tell people we care about them and if they feel despair to give their card to someone they trust.   If each one of us takes 3 and we keep one and give 2 to someone and ask them to give one to someone.  We can spread them out quickly. 

We also need your help in knowing what to do if someone receives a card.  Be Present that means do not multitask and pay attention to what they are saying.  Ask them a question about how they are.  It is OK to ask if they are thinking of suicide.  Connect them to a resource.  They are printed on the card.

What do the cards do?  There are two sides.  If someone feels they need help, but cannot voice that, they can give the card to someone.  The other side is for the receiver.  It has a few instructions and some numbers to seek help.

If someone gives you a card

• Talk to the person in private with no time constraints 
• Listen to their story
• Avoid minimizing their problems by giving advice
• Ask them if they are thinking about harming themselves
• Connect them with help

You may pick up cards at Mesalands Community College Library, St Vincent De Paul, Ministry of Hope, Western Plains Title and Escrow, and Tucumcari Public Library

Listen to the Podcast Here: Were Not Fixers