An Update on American Indian Suicide in New Mexico, 1980-1987

This paper updates a previous study of American Indian suicide in New Mexico which covered the years 1957-1979. Rates for completed suicides among the Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo for 1980-1987 are compared to earlier rates, as are selected demographic and situational variables. Major findings suggest that suicide rates are stabilizing or declining for all three groups in the most recent years. For the Apache and Pueblo groups, however, this trend may just be the downswing of cycles that have been identified by this study. Age-adjusted suicide rates for all three groups remain above US rates for 1980-1987, but some of this difference may be attributable to regional variation. Age-specific rates for all three groups remain above US rates for most age groups under 55 years. Apache rates are still the highest, followed by Pueblo and Navajo rates. A comparison of Indian and non-Indian suicide rates in New Mexico indicates higher rates for Indians, particularly in those counties where the Apache and Pueblo tribe...