Recently, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) responded to a call regarding suicidal ideation. The caller, located out of state, reported that a gamer friend had expressed emotional instability during a gaming session and mentioned suicidal thoughts.
The two individuals had never met in person, and the caller had limited information about the teenager. The caller later informed ACS that the gamer friend was no longer responding to messages on Snapchat.
Upon arrival at the presumed location, ACS responders made contact with an older woman who stated she had no children but mentioned neighbors who did. Responders then approached one of these homes and were greeted by another woman who confirmed her son's gamer name. The family allowed responders into their living room where the son admitted to making suicidal comments out of frustration with his mother earlier that day. He clarified that he did not intend to scare anyone and was merely venting.
"She's got a tough job as a single mother," said Behavioral Health Responder Danna Gonzalez. "My job is to understand her situation and go from there."
The mother explained that the family was experiencing a difficult period. Responders provided constructive communication strategies and methods for managing negative emotions.
“With mental health issues on the rise and the stresses of everyday life, we need an alternative response," said Behavioral Health Supervisor Christopher Blystone. "We need to have the right response at the right time for the individuals that need that response.”
The family expressed gratitude for being heard and guided.
ACS responders' timely intervention in this potentially life-threatening situation involving a teenager expressing suicidal ideation underscored the importance of community-based mental health services in addressing emergent crises through compassionate outreach and effective communication.
