NM Suicide Prevention Coalition/

Faith Communities Workgroup

Faith Communities  Workgroup of the NMSuicide Prevention Coalition: We recognize the important role that spirituality makes in people's ability to cope with having or caring for a friend, or family member with a mental illness or suicidal ideation or ministering to those whose lives have been affected by suicide. people often look to their faith leaders for help but leaders don’t have the language to offer the compassionate care necessary. Faith institutions can play a huge role in reducing the stigma of mental illness and suicide by being open to learning more.

• To promote emotional well-being and connectedness between members of all faith communities whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim Hindu, Native American, or Buddhist
• To identify people who may be at risk for suicide and assist them in getting help.
• To be prepared to respond to a suicide death with compassion and support for the survivors.
• To encourage training and more education about mental illness and suicide.