Your life matters, and you do not have to carry heavy burdens alone. As a core pillar of the Luna Strong wellness framework, our absolute priority is ensuring that every member of the Rough Rider community has immediate, stigma-free access to life-saving resources, compassionate crisis intervention, and mental health support.

How To Take Care Of Yourself

  • Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to let your friends, family, or teachers know what you need when they ask; they want to help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time — calls are confidential.
  • Make a safety plan: A safety plan can help guide you through difficult moments and keep you safe. Learn how to make your own:  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself
  • Remember that this feeling can be overcome: Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, and the loss of important people can seem impossible to deal with. But with support from others, you can.
  • Evaluate the relationships in your life: Love and friendship are all about respect. Toxic or unhealthy relationships can negatively affect you. Whether you’re dating or building new friendships, remember your rights.

How To Help

  • Take your loved one seriously: Some people feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” But if your child,  friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and get help.
  • Listen with empathy and provide support: A fight or breakup might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Sympathize and listen. Minimizing what your child or friend is going through can increase his or her sense of hopelessness.
  • Be Observant: Friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, changes in behavior may show that someone is struggling. Learn the warning signs.
  • Don’t keep suicide a secret: If your friend is considering suicide, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people, like a trusted adult. Neither of you have to face this alone.

The Warning Signs

Risk Factors

If you are experiencing overwhelming feelings, thoughts of self-harm, or are worried about a friend, classmate, or loved one, please know that help is available right now. These services are completely free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.

Immediate 24/7 Crisis Lifelines

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please use these toll-free, confidential resources at any hour of the day or night:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to be instantly connected with a trained crisis counselor (Available nationwide, 24/7).
  • Crisis Text Line Line: Text "MHFA" 741741 (24/7, 365 days a year). 
  • New Mexico Crisis Line: Call or Text 855-NMCRISIS (662-7474) https://nmcrisisline.com.
  • Trevor Project 24 hours hotline: Trained counselors that understand the challenges LGBTQT+ young people face: (866) 488-7386.
  • Línea de Vida Nacional para La Prevención del Suicidio: Para El Orador Español: (888) 628-9454.
  • Veteran's Crisis Line: (800) 273-TALK (8255); Select "1" (24hrs, 7 days a week).
  • Disaster Distress Hotline: (800) 985-5990 or Text "Talkwithus" to 66746.
  • Agora Crisis Center: Through the University of New Mexico - Agoracares. Call: (505) 277-3013.
  • NMHU After-Hours Crisis Line: Call (505) 795-3605 for local, immediate emergency support tailored specifically to our regional student community.
  • Emergencies: Call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

On-Campus Care Coordination


If you want to coordinate localized treatment, safety planning, or follow-up care, our local on-campus team provides a safe, welcoming space to connect you to resources:

  • Student Success Specialist: Visit Renee Maestas, LSW, in the Student Services Center (Room 109). You can call (505) 454-5355.
  • Submit a Peer Referral: If you are deeply concerned about a classmate, you can submit a confidential referral form to our care team so we can reach out and offer them a helping hand. Refer a student confidentially by submitting a Confidential Care Referral Form to Renee Maestas.

🧠 A Note on Confidentiality & Safety: Reaching out for suicide prevention support or expressing thoughts of self-harm to a counselor or the Luna Strong team is handled with the highest level of legal confidentiality and care. You are valued, you belong here, and reaching out is the strongest thing you can do. Let's keep LunaStrong together.