SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health this week made its annual report on suicides in the state, with 515 New Mexico residents dying by suicide in 2019, down from 535 in 2018. 

Please see the attachment to this email for a detailed graph of the latest findings.

There was a slight decrease in suicide deaths by women and among non-Hispanics whites from 2018 to 2019. The number of suicide deaths by poisoning also went down but suicide deaths by firearms, hanging and falls remained consistent to the findings in 2018.

More than 48,000 men, women, and children died by suicide in the U.S. in 2018. 

“The decline in suicide deaths in our state is encouraging but we must recognize the devastating toll these deaths take on families, loved ones and the community,” said Acting Department of Health Secretary Billy Jimenez. “Suicide can be prevented and the Department of Health is committed to working with our statewide partners to create a standard of care that recognizes when a patient seen in an emergency room setting is in need of a behavioral health follow-up. We know outreach works. When people are having thoughts of suicide, they feel relief after someone talks with them in a caring way. People are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with someone who listens without judgment. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase ideation. We want people to know there is judgement free help available,” adds Jimenez. 

For immediate assistance with all mental health concerns, as well as connection with resources in your area, call 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474) or visit nmcrisisline.com.  

For more information, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741 741.