Suicide Prevention

Resources

If a person is in any immediate danger of suicide, call 911 for assistance
  • NM Crisis & Access Line
    • (855) 662-7474
    • TTY- hearing and speech impaired 1-855-227-5485
  • Crisis Text Line
    • Text HOME to 741-741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    • 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
    • 1-888-628-9454 (For Spanish Language Speakers)
  • Memorial Medical Center (closet to NMSU main campus) 
    • 2450 S Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011
    •  575-522-8641
  • Mountian View Regional Medical Center
    • 4311 E Lohman Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88011
    • 575-556-7600
The key to preventing suicide on our campus is spreading education, awareness, and a stronger connected community. While these are not exhaustive lists, they may be helpful to you in recognizing a student in trouble and getting help, or maybe finding help for yourself. If you would like more in-depth training, please go to our Training page for further information.
 

Warning Signs of Suicide

People who are considering suicide may sometimes do things that can be taken as signs or cues that they are in distress. It is important to note that these warning signs should not be taken lightly and may be a person’s way of communicating that they are in danger.
 
Say things that indicate they do not feel a reason to live (e.g., “I can’t go on,” “I can’t live like this anymore,” “I wish I was dead,” “I won’t be here much longer.”)
Express intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and/or worthlessness
Major changes in the person’s typical behavior (e.g., starts using drugs or alcohol, dramatic mood changes, sudden intense anxiety, sudden changes in sleeping too much or too little)
Making end-of-life preparations (e.g., creating a will, giving away possessions)
Suddenly acting restless or engaging in risky behaviors without thinking
Withdrawing themselves from friends, family, and society
Started drinking or using drugs

Facts and Statistics

  • Most people have thoughts of suicide at some point in their life
  • It is ok to talk about suicide with a person who you think might be at risk of attempting suicide. By being willing to talk about it, you open up an opportunity to get help, which may be a relief to that person
  • Talking about suicide will NOT put the idea in the person’s head
  • You can get help and suicide can be preventable
  • New Mexico has the 4th highest suicide rate in the nation
  • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S.
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students

How To Be Helpful or Get Help

There are many ways to be helpful to a person who is considering suicide. Below are links to information on our website about being helpful, making referrals, and consulting with our on-call counselors, in addition to suicide prevention organization websites that have additional information about recognizing the warning signs of suicide and how to get help.