Laredo’s police chief is pushing for mental health awareness amid rising suicide rates

LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – “Ask the hard questions.” That was the advice Miguel Rodriguez, police chief, gave the community on Wednesday, May 8, during a proclamation declaring May as a local month mental health awareness.

At the event, a woman shared her story and highlighted the importance of overcoming mental health issues. Patricia Limas, an emotional abuse survivor, shared her experience: “It started with a very perfect relationship, from then on the person took control of me. He started forbidding me to do things, he started lying to me, and I stayed silent. Everything he did, he did to hurt me.”

For fourteen years, Lima endured constant emotional abuse. “You could see me smiling. You could see me talking, but there was an emptiness inside me. I was dead inside. I could work. I could go out. I could drive, but when I was alone with myself, I felt empty,” she revealed.

After breaking free from her relationship, Limas focused on her mental health journey, not only for herself, but also for her 14-year-old daughter, for whom she wants to be a positive example.

Limas emphasized the importance of open conversations about mental health and expressed support for the local recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez underscored the seriousness of the situation, citing rising suicide rates. Eleven suicides have been confirmed in Laredo this year and police have responded to at least 40 calls.

Of particular concern is the population affected by these tragedies. “The population that is committing these suicides is very young, and that is a concern,” Rodriguez said. “We need to ensure that we continue to conduct the investigation very thoroughly,” he added.

Rodriguez highlighted factors such as bullying, cyberbullying and domestic violence that emerged from the investigations into these incidents.

For Limas, her main concern is teaching her daughter the importance of mental health and resilience.

Support services are available, including 988, a hotline with medical professionals who can help people cope with mental health issues.

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