Top Mental Health Issues in New Mexico

Jan 4

New Mexico is a state with rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and historical heritage. However, it also faces many challenges, such as poverty, crime, and substance abuse, that affect the mental health and well-being of its residents. According to the 2020 America's Health Rankings report, New Mexico ranked 46th out of 50 states in overall health, and 48th in mental health 1. In this article, we will explore some of the top mental health issues in New Mexico, and what can be done to address them.

Suicide

Suicide is a tragic and preventable outcome of mental distress, and a major public health concern in New Mexico. In 2019, New Mexico had the fourth highest suicide rate in the nation, at 23.5 per 100,000 population, compared to the national average of 13.9 2. Suicide was the eighth leading cause of death in New Mexico, and the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 39 2. The risk factors for suicide include mental disorders, substance use, trauma, isolation, access to lethal means, and lack of mental health care 3.

To prevent suicide, New Mexico needs to implement comprehensive and coordinated strategies that address the root causes of mental distress, and provide timely and effective interventions for those at risk. Some of the evidence-based strategies include:

● Screening and treating depression and other mental disorders in primary care settings 3.

● Providing crisis intervention and follow-up care for individuals who attempt suicide or experience suicidal thoughts 3.

● Promoting social connectedness and peer support among vulnerable groups, such as veterans, LGBTQ+ youth, and Native Americans 3 4.

● Reducing access to firearms and other lethal means among individuals with suicidal ideation 3.

● Increasing public awareness and education about suicide prevention and mental health resources 3 4.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic and relapsing conditions that involve the compulsive use of alcohol or drugs, despite harmful consequences. SUDs can impair a person's physical, mental, and social functioning, and increase the risk of other health problems, such as infectious diseases, liver damage, and overdose 5. SUDs can also co-occur with other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, creating a complex and challenging situation for treatment and recovery 5.

New Mexico has one of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths in the nation, at 27.5 per 100,000 population in 2019, compared to the national average of 21.6 6. The main drivers of overdose deaths in New Mexico are opioids, such as prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl 6. Alcohol is also a major problem in New Mexico, as it contributes to chronic diseases, injuries, violence, and deaths 7. According to the 2019 Behavioral Health Barometer, 7.1% of adults and 4.4% of adolescents in New Mexico had an alcohol use disorder, and 3.4% of adults and 2.9% of adolescents had an illicit drug use disorder 8.

To address SUDs, New Mexico needs to adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach that combines prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Some of the evidence-based strategies include:

● Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines FDA-approved medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, with behavioral therapies, to treat opioid use disorder 5 .

● Increasing the availability and distribution of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdose, to first responders, health care providers, and community members 5 .

● Implementing screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), a public health approach that identifies and addresses risky substance use in primary care and other settings 5 .

● Enhancing the quality and availability of substance use treatment and recovery support services, especially for underserved populations, such as rural residents, pregnant women, and justice-involved individuals 5 .

● Promoting prevention and education programs that target youth, families, schools, and communities, to reduce the initiation and escalation of substance use 5 .

Depression

Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Depression can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, guilt, fatigue, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. Depression can interfere with a person's daily functioning, relationships, work, and quality of life. Depression can also increase the risk of developing or worsening other physical and mental health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and anxiety.

According to the 2019 Behavioral Health Barometer, 19.4% of adults and 13.2% of adolescents in New Mexico reported having a major depressive episode in the past year, which are higher than the national averages of 17.5% and 11.2%, respectively 8. The prevalence of depression varies by age, gender, race, and ethnicity, with higher rates among females, older adults, Native Americans, and Hispanics 8 .

To treat depression, New Mexico needs to improve the access and quality of mental health care, especially for those who face barriers, such as cost, stigma, transportation, and language. Some of the evidence-based strategies include:

● Providing collaborative care, which involves a team of primary care providers, mental health specialists, and care managers, who work together to deliver coordinated and patient-centered care for depression.

● Offering telehealth services, which use technology, such as phone, video, or internet, to deliver mental health care remotely, especially to rural and remote areas.

● Supporting self-management, which involves educating and empowering patients to monitor and manage their own symptoms, using tools, such as apps, websites, or books.

● Increasing the availability and utilization of evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and problem-solving therapy (PST), which can help patients change their negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Conclusion

Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being, and a priority for New Mexico. By addressing the top mental health issues in New Mexico, such as suicide, substance use disorders, and depression, we can improve the lives, health, and vitality of our residents, and create a more resilient and prosperous state.