Voices
New Mexico’s 988 is the 24/7 free and confidential lifeline for emotional, mental, or alcohol and substance use support, made available to all New Mexicans through the Behavioral Health Services Division of the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
Call 988
Speak directly with a caring counselor right now.
Text “TALK” to 988
Send a message and get support from someone who understands.
Chat with 988
Connect privately with a counselor through secure live chat.
Call 988 Videophone
Deaf and hard-of-hearing users can connect with an ASL counselor.
Tell us your story.
In May of 2023, I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. I gave myself a graduation gift and got the Suicide Prevention Awareness Ribbon tattooed on my arm with the 988 number next to it. I would love to say I only got it for myself, but the truth is, once we’ve experienced that familiar crisis state of mental frozen-ness, overcome with fear, endlessly praying for that reset button but terrified to speak up about it, we find on the other side, in recovery, that spotting it from a mile away becomes a gift that can actually help others.
Alex's Full Story
My name is Alex, I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and suicide attempt survivor. My experience with 988 started back when the voice number was 800-273-8255 and the text number was 741741. I reached out to those numbers often between 2015 and 2019 but I always downplayed the severity of my symptoms out of fear. My own religious upbringing created an existential crisis for years as I struggled with suicidal ideation and substance abuse; I felt I was destined for suicide, but following through was going to land me in hell for eternity. A long struggle with ideation and drug addiction led to two suicide attempts, and after losing a loved one to suicide, I drew a line in the sand and finally chose recovery.
In May of 2023 I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. I gave myself a graduation gift and got the Suicide Prevention Awareness Ribbon tattooed on my arm with the 988 number next to it. I would love to say I only got it for myself, but the truth is, once we’ve experienced that familiar crisis state of mental frozen-ness, overcome with fear, endlessly praying for that reset button but terrified to speak up about it, we find on the other side, in recovery, that spotting it from a mile away becomes a gift that can actually help others. I got my 988 tattoo because suicide resilience has a voice, and colors, and numbers.
Alex M., LMHC-NM
2,055 days since my final suicide attempt,
1,661 days sober
A
Anonymous
988 Caller
Life became so overwhelming. I was stressed and anxious and felt like I didn’t have anyone to talk to who would really understand what I was going through, but they did.
Reaching out to 988 was my lifeline. Right away, I spoke to a person who could relate, and she had worked with people just like me, and she understood my problems and where I was coming from. From the first few minutes we spoke, I felt like I could really trust and confide in her.
A
Anonymous
988 Caller
During the life changing experience of getting the custody of my son taken by the authorities, I called 988 many times and was able to talk to someone about the personal challenges I was facing. I also got resources to help my situation and am thankful I called 988.
A
Anonymous
988 Caller
I called 988 when having a panic attack and couldn’t talk to my family. It was nice to have someone who just was there to understand.
My dad just got transported to the hospital. I’m texting 988
A
Anonymous
988 Texter
988 is essential within our Native Communities. Not only is it a Lifeline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or even suicidal ideation, it’s a Link to a safe place and care. As an advocate within our communities we all need to be resourceful and willing to help out our relatives #Native988
988 was my lifeline when I felt overwhelmed. The counselor’s warmth and guidance helped me navigate tough times and get back down to a place of normality and calmness. It’s a great resource for anyone feeling like they need someone to reach who will listen.
A
Anonymous
988 Caller
I am the mother of a transgender child. Over the course of several years I have learned so much about my child and their resilience. Mental health has always been our number one struggle, I have ensured that my child has had access to the mental health. Having options like this is beneficial and crucial to the youth in our state.
It finally felt like someone cared to just listen, and to provide help if I wanted it—which was exactly what I needed at a time when life felt like too much to handle on my own. I never felt judged, and our conversation helped me remember I wasn’t alone.
A
Anonymous
988 Caller
I lost my job due to an undiagnosed auto immune disorder. Bills were piling up, kids needed essential items, we were low on food. I was so depressed. My house was a mess I hadn’t showered in weeks and one night I woke up in the middle night feeling hopeless. Kids were sleeping as I kissed them goodbye. I put on my robe a stepped outside. It was 3am. Pitch black with stars all around me and quiet. I got into my car ready to drive to the bridge where I planned to end my life. Radio turned on and on the station was a lady speaking of #988 and I immediately called. I’m so grateful I called and went back inside that night. That’s all I needed was someone to listen, someone to tell me I’d be ok, someone that cared.
It finally felt like someone cared to just listen, and to provide help if I wanted it—which was exactly what I needed at a time when life felt like too much to handle on my own. I never felt judged, and our conversation helped me remember I wasn’t alone.
A
Anonymous
988 Caller
Your Story Matters — Share How 988 Helped You
Has 988 New Mexico helped you or a loved one? Was there a time you wished you had 988 to call? We want to hear from you. Your privacy is important to us, and we do not require you to share any personal information when using the form below.
In May of 2023, I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. I gave myself a graduation gift and got the Suicide Prevention Awareness Ribbon tattooed on my arm with the 988 number next to it. I would love to say I only got it for myself, but the truth is, once we’ve experienced that familiar crisis state of mental frozen-ness, overcome with fear, endlessly praying for that reset button but terrified to speak up about it, we find on the other side, in recovery, that spotting it from a mile away becomes a gift that can actually help others.