Youth Suicidal Ideation
The percentage of high school students who seriously considered suicide
Figure: The percentage of high school students who seriously considered suicide, 2019-23.
Data Source: High School Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (NM YRRS)
How is New Mexico Doing?
In 2023, 14.8% of NM public high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months. This was nearly twice as common among females (18.8%) than males (10.7%). While females were more likely than males to seriously consider suicide, males were more likely to die from suicide. This rate of seriously considering suicide has decreased slightly over the past decade, from 15.9% in 2009 to 14.8% in 2023.
How does New Mexico compare to the nation?
In 2021, 30.0% of US high school females said they had seriously considered suicide compared 26.2% of NM hight school females and 14.3% of US high school males said they had seriously considered suicide compared to 13.9% of NM males. Across all participating states, the percentage ranged from 12.7% to 26.6%.
What does this mean?
When teens experience tough problems or strong feelings, suicide can seem like the only solution. In NM, health education standards include mental health and suicide prevention, and school-based health centers work to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care. After a suicide, team approaches are key. Successful prevention and intervention in the juvenile justice setting require rigorous screening and diagnosis coordinated with initiatives to address the risk factors that increase impulse and decrease hope in distressed youth. Research shows that youth who feel highly connected to their family, peers, schools and community are less likely to engage in risky behavior.