According to a new analysis, Lubbock has the highest rate of youth suicide attempts in the entire state of Texas. Yes, out of every city in this giant state, it’s Lubbock’s kids who are struggling the most—and the lack of mental health resources here isn’t exactly helping.
Adam Hernandez, whose daughter Jacquelyn died by suicide in 2018, now speaks openly about her story, hoping it’ll keep another family from going through the same nightmare. His message is simple: check on your kids, even when they seem fine—because sometimes there are no signs until it’s too late.
Experts say stigma around mental health in the High Plains, plus the severe shortage of providers, makes things worse. Lubbock has fewer psychiatrists for children than most other Texas counties, and let’s not forget: this is also the region with one of the state’s highest child abuse rates. Pair that with a culture that hushes these issues instead of addressing them, and you’ve got a recipe for exactly the crisis we’re in.
State leaders brag about growth while Lubbock kids spiral without help. But hey, at least we’ve got plenty of churches—maybe thoughts and prayers will cover the mental health budget?
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/02/16/lubbock-teen-suicide-rates/
