Health experts in Albuquerque say that rising levels of violent crime are having an effect on the mental health of youths.
Violent crime in Albuquerque is drastically rising, and that increase is also seen in schools, according to KRQE. Within the last seven months, there have been two deadly shootings in Albuquerque schools.
Many violent incidents occurring at school can cause children to try to avoid attending or be afraid of school. Therapists have recently seen much anxiety surrounding the fear of going to school and other areas, KRQE said.
"We have seen a huge, huge increase, where we have had to shut down our waitlist several times," April Lewis-Ramirez, a counselor at The Treehouse, said to KRQE. "You might see things like they’re acting out and aggressive or they’re shutting down and not wanting to go to school or go to different places."
Lewis-Ramirez added that youths need the support of the community and adults to show that they are working to keep students safe.
"I would like to see plans of, you know, how are we going to show these kids that they’re safe?" she said. "Is it going to be by saying something or is it going to be like actions?"
City officials pushed for a bill that would have made it a felony for a minor to possess a firearm; that bill was blocked in committee, according to KRQE.