1. Learn more
There are numerous websites that offer resources and data about mental health, suicide, risk factors, and protective influences for people of all ages and cultural groups.
Visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and the Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors for more information.
2. Take training
Learn the signs and symptoms, understand how to talk to someone about mental health, and gain confidence in helping others during times of need to learn the signs and symptoms, understand how to talk to someone about mental health, and gain confidence in helping others during times of need. Effective programs include the 90-minute Question, Persuade, Refer program; a day-long Mental Health First Aid course; and a 2-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
3. Engage in your community
Feeling connected within the community and with other individuals helps to protect against the feelings of despair that can potentially lead to a person contemplating suicide. Participate in cultural traditions and activities. Connect with people. You are not alone.
4. Limit access to lethal means
Help to keep at-risk individuals from gaining access to firearms, medications, and other means to injure themselves. The Counseling on Access to Lethal Means program is a free 2-hour online course that teaches how to help prevent suicide by applying specific strategies to keep at-risk people safe. Be sure to store firearms safely using a locked cabinet or gun lock. Store ammunition separately and locked up as well.
5. Help reduce stigma
Be thoughtful about your use of language in talking with and about people regarding mental health. Use recovery friendly person-centered language. For example, say “He has schizophrenia” rather than “He is a schizophrenic.” Say “She has a substance use disorder” rather than “She is a junkie.” This reminds us that people are more than their conditions, illnesses, or behaviors.
6. Exercise
Exercise has been proven to be an effective way to help improve one’s overall health and minimize the effects of mental health experience. Visit the HelpGuide to learn more about the mental health benefits of exercise.
7. Advocate
Encourage people to increase their efforts to secure funding to improve access to mental health, behavioral health, and substance use treatment services across the state. Learn more about what the New Mexico Behavioral Health Provider Association is doing to support New Mexicans.
8. Have your resources handy
Download the NMConnect app to your smartphone.
Add the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line number 1-855-662-7474 to your contact list
