DID YOU KNOW?
Youth Suicuide Rate
Published December 5, 2022
National State of Emergency. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) declared a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health. “We have witnessed soaring rates of mental health challenges among children and adolescents…the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated the situation that existed prior to the pandemic. Children and families have experienced enormous adversity and disruption…soaring rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, and suicidality will have lasting impacts on them, their families, and their communities. We must identify strategies to meet these challenges through innovation and action.”
New Mexico is first in the nation for suicide in youth 10 – 17 years old, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in New Mexico for youth 10 - 17 years old. Tragically, youth suicide is the second leading cause of death among children and young adults ages 10 to 24 nationwide. Additionally, according to the 2017 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS), New Mexico’s high school students engaged in risky behaviors at higher rates when compared to the national average in 10 of 14 indicators. Risky behaviors are linked to poorer physical and mental health, wellness, and academic outcomes that have lifelong consequences.