Sounding the Alarm About Teen Suicides

CAV recognizes that we are amid in the middle of uncertain, precarious and often troublesome times in our nation and world. We are also seeing an alarming increase in teenage suicides over the last decade. Therefore, CAV seeks to have everyone in our community accept that these uncertain times are being internalized by our young people -- and we must do something to help them.

 

Depression is, by far, the leading cause of teenage suicide. Growing into adolescence can be difficult -- and more so in these times. A comprehensive survey by Monitor the Future found symptoms of depression in teens doubled from 2012 to 2022, regardless of who they are. It's hard not to make a connection between what teenagers see in the world around them and how they feel about it.  Alarmingly, New Mexico ranks second in the nation in teen suicides. That's 21 young people out of 100,000 who take their own lives. The national average is 11 out of 100,000. Rural and isolated communities, like Taos, experience a disproportionate number of suicides compared to urban and suburban communities. And suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Native Americans ages 10 to 24.

 

Pause for a minute and look at what our children have had to deal recently. The growing inequity in our economy has changed family dynamics. Wages have not kept up with the rising costs of living in our rural communities, and most families hold down more than one job. That often means less time to spend with our children -- and more time for them to be on their own. The pandemic forced us all to stay closer to home. We all had to deal with an uncertain future, isolation, less socialization with others, and a further tightening of family finances.

 

Public discourse has become more violent. Politics have taken on an us-against-them strategy. Guns and dangerous drugs are readily available and social media has exploded; anonymity provides cover so there are few boundaries over what can be said. All these factors have pushed many of our youth further into extreme, dark, isolated places. Ironically, when they do socialize, it's often with peers experiencing the same difficulties they are.

 

Whatever the reason, depression strips our youth of self-confidence, saps their energy, and propels them into isolation. And when outside events appear out of control, a sense of hopelessness seeps into young psyches.

CAV is working in our community to help give our youth the best chance possible to live full, loving and happy lives. But it means acting now, and often getting outside of our own comfort zones.

First, home truly is where the heart is. It's where we as parents, guardians, siblings and close relatives set the tone of how kids will grow into their futures. Home is where they should find unconditional love providing space to explore possibilities, to be curious, to talk about their feelings and concerns but most importantly to feel safe.

 

So, here are some efforts that can make the approach to and effects of adolescence easier for all. These suggestions can be seen as ways to keep our young ones connected to themselves, their family, their circle of friends, and their culture.

  • Exercise. The old saying, "Healthy body, healthy mind" is real. Kick a soccer ball around, play catch, take walk together after dinner. You don't have to converse, just enjoy a stroll in each other's company.
  • Prepare meals together. Give your child a job in the kitchen to prepare part of a meal. Pride in accomplishment goes a long way toward a healthy youngster.
  • Spend time outdoors. Take time together to examine flowers, leaves, plants closely. See how they flourish with food, water and sunlight, how they co-exist with other plants and creatures.
  • Plant a garden. Growing our own food has a long tradition in Taos. Build on this. Get young ones to help plant, water and harvest. Give them their own section to tend. Ask grandparents to share their gardening experiences and knowledge.
  • Care for a pet. There is no greater source of unconditional love than a pet. When a cat nestles in your lap, or a dog rubs up against your leg, you know you are loved. And your child learns how to care for another.
  • Help others. Volunteering gives a sense of belonging and connection to community.

CAV wants to strongly emphasize that teen suicide is not somebody else's problem.

It is ours as a community.

If you see signs of depression in your child -- withdrawal from normal activities, changes in eating habits, pervasive sadness, decline in quality of schoolwork, talking about death and dying -- it's time to seek help, to get ahead of the depression curve.

 

A call to the CAV 24-Hour HELPline at (575) 758-9888 or TEXTline at (575)770-2706 will connect you with a CAV staff member who can get you the help you need.

 

Joella Montoya is the Executive Director of Community Against Violence (CAV), which offers FREE confidential support and assistance for child and adult survivors of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and child/elder abuse; community and school violence prevention programs; re-education groups for people using power and control in their relationships; counseling; shelter; transitional housing; and a community thrift store. To talk or get information on services, call CAV’s 24-hour HELPline at 575-758-9888 or 24-hour TEXTline 575-770-2706. TaosCAV.org