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The Suicide Prevention Resource Guide for Faith Communities is a compendium of resources for churches, synagogues, or temples to lovingly come alongside someone who is struggling. It has been vetted by faith leaders, chaplains, mental health professionals and the NM Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Faith leaders are increasingly being called upon to counsel and meet with congregants who are dealing with mental illness or suicidal ideation. One in four families sitting in our houses of worship has a family member who has a mental illness. Many are suffering in silence because these illnesses of the brain are often seen as the result of a moral or spiritual failure. Historically both physical and mental illnesses were thought to be caused by sin or demons. Today we can identify and provide treatment for many mental illnesses and provide support for the multiple factors that place someone at risk for suicide.

The best way to prevent suicide is to use a comprehensive approach that includes these key components: 
  • Promote emotional well-being and connectedness among members of your faith community.
  • Identify people who may be at risk for suicide and assist them in getting help.
  • Be prepared to respond to a suicide death and provide support to the survivors.

Contact the Faith Communities Workgroup

Email Desiree or Jodie directly.
Desiree Woodland
[email protected]

Jodie Hix
[email protected]