There was already a mental health crisis among young people, and, given what is known about the mental health impact of trauma and large-scale crises, we will likely see an increasing and lasting effects on their distress and demand for services beyond 2020/2021.
Data from the CDC show that since the start of the pandemic, mental health-related emergency department visits increased by 31 percent for 12-17-year-olds, and 1 in 4 young adults contemplated suicide. LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, have experienced high rates of thoughts of suicide and self-harm probably due to being isolated from peers and quarantined in households not supportive of their sexual or gender identity.
- Suicide is the 1st leading cause of death for ages 10-14 in New Mexico.
- Suicide is the 1st leading cause of death for ages 12-18 (middle and high school ages) in New Mexico.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for college-age youth ages 18-22 in New Mexico.
CDC’s WISQARS National Data Reporting (2019)
In this time of enforced isolation and societal upheaval, there is a need to increase intervention and prevention efforts to address associated mental health conditions and suicidal ideation among our children.
New Mexico youth deserve the best support we can offer. Will you support Breaking the Silence NM’s mission to promotes mental health literacy, education, advocacy, and well-being for teens, youth, and adults?
Tags: Mental Illness, Pandemic
