📊 Key Trends & Statistics

Elevated mental health needs among youth:

• New Mexico ranks among the lowest in the nation for youth mental health outcomes (47th overall) according to Mental Health America, with a notably high proportion of young people reporting depressive episodes. 

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• Data from the Youth Risk & Resiliency Survey (YRRS) shows that a significant share of high school students report persistent sadness, hopelessness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts or attempts, underscoring the extent of emotional distress in the teen population. 

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• In specific county data (e.g., San Juan County), over one-third of high school students reported prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness — similar to statewide patterns. 

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Suicide concerns:

• New Mexico has historically had among the highest youth suicide rates in the U.S., particularly for ages 10–17, and suicide remains a leading cause of death among teens in the state. 

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• Recent surveys indicate that nearly 15% of NM high school students seriously considered suicide in the past year — with higher rates among females than males.