4. New Mexico
Suicide Death Rate Per 100K People: 24.7
Suicidal behaviors pose a serious public health problem and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in New Mexico. In 2018, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in the state. It was the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 5 to 34 and the fourth among those aged 35 to 44. Both New Mexico and the United States have seen an increase in suicide deaths, with New Mexico’s suicide rates being at least 50% higher than the national average over the past 20 years. Mental disorders, especially clinical depression, significantly increase the risk of both attempted suicide and suicide. This highlights the urgent need for effective mental health interventions and support systems to address this escalating crisis.