Unveiling the Hidden Battle of Southern New Mexico's Youth's Mental Health
Impact of COVID-19 on Gen Z's Mental Health
The youngest cohort of Gen Z, aged around 12 to 27, entered their teen years during the COVID-19 pandemic. This chaotic time, for various reasons, did not aid their existing mental health. Students were stuck at home for months, lacking the face-to-face social connections and structural support that in-person school provides. Local experts believe the ripple effects on kids' mental health are still being felt. Sherri Rhoten, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southern New Mexico, stated that since the pandemic, there has been a major increase in the number of services needed in school districts for individuals with special education.The nonprofit organization emphasizes lived experiences to advocate for those affected by mental health conditions. Rhoten also mentioned that there is more struggle with students getting their accommodations and that they have been advocating for more families than in the past.
Social Media's Dual Impact on Youth
The rise of social media platforms like TikTok over the past decade and their accessibility via smartphones and tablets have raised major concerns among experts. While there are positives such as education and entertainment, it also enables cyberbullying. The advent of AI has made this toxic practice easier and more damaging. Lara Walter, a social worker at Organ Mountain High School in Las Cruces, said many students she sees experience bullying both in-person and online. Popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and Discord seem to contribute to children being depressed or questioning their self-worth. Last year, 77% of high school students reported using social media at least several times a day.A 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Report shows a growing body of evidence about the harms of social media on children and teens. Up to 95 percent of teens use social media, with about one-third reporting they use it almost constantly. However, there are still gaps in academic research about the possible negative effects, making it difficult to draw comprehensive conclusions.
Challenges Faced by Different Groups
LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing greater challenges to mental health than their peers. At least part of the increase in reported depression and anxiety could be due to youth being more aware of their mental health and more open to discussing it.In Luna County alone, NAMI Southern New Mexico had contact with 274 parents on school-related issues in August as the school year began. An IEP is an Individualized Education Program designed to help students with special needs or a disability. In 2022, the Deming Public Schools hired an outside agency to boost its in-house mental health counseling capacity as student needs soared.
Poverty abounds across the southern half of the state, especially in rural areas, compounding challenges for families to access care. About one in three children in Doña Ana County live in poverty. Economic insecurity takes a direct toll on people's mental health, and this stress trickles down to kids.
Efforts to Improve Youth Mental Health
Despite the challenges, various efforts are underway to help youth. A national crisis hotline - 988 - is available to help kids and adults. In Doña Ana County, adults can attend "mental health first aid" trainings. At Organ Mountain High School, students hosted an awareness campaign to help their peers counter thoughts of suicide.Many schools in Southern New Mexico have hired professional mental health therapists or have school-based health centers that offer mental health services. These centers make mental health care more affordable for students and their families. However, the overall shortage of mental health professionals can still hinder access to care in some centers.
University of New Mexico's Role
The University of New Mexico Children's Psychiatric Center in Albuquerque is a major provider of youth mental health care. It has a psychiatric center with 35 beds and focuses on intensive care for children up to 17 years old. It also provides support to healthcare providers throughout the state and is constructing a new 32,500 square-foot facility with 36 beds initially and up to 52 eventually. But reaching the center requires a several-hour drive for families in parts of Southern New Mexico.UNM focuses on mental health services for Native American youth, who face disparities such as higher rates of attempted suicide. Mental health issues also affect Indigenous communities when it comes to bullying. Rhoten believes more awareness is needed in schools and among providers about Native American communities and cultural sensitivity.
Student-led Initiatives
At Organ Mountain High School in Las Cruces, students organized an awareness campaign about suicide to help their peers. Principal Luis Lucero created a parent leadership team, a core teacher leadership team, and a student leadership group. Two members of the student leadership group suggested hosting an initiative for National Suicide Prevention Week.Student body President Abigail Hernandez said their goal was to change the narrative of suicide and encourage conversation. Student Council member Lilli Roman encouraged students to seek help if needed. The nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 for anyone experiencing a mental health concern.
In conclusion, Southern New Mexico's youth is facing a complex mental health crisis with various factors at play. However, efforts are being made to address these issues and provide support to those in need.