sometimes it feels like you’re the only one dealing with it.
But here’s what the data shows about girls right here in Chaves County:
You are not the only one feeling this.
what girls like you are saying.
In the 2023 Youth Risk & Resiliency Survey:
- 44.9% of girls said they felt persistently sad or hopeless
- 29.5% reported frequent mental distress
- 32.1% reported symptoms of anxiety
- 10.2% reported binge drinking —
more than twice the rate of boys (4.1%)
That’s not random.
When stress builds up and you feel alone, alcohol can seem like a quick escape. But it doesn’t fix what’s underneath. It makes it heavier.
why it feels so intense.
Social media isn’t “bad.” But when it becomes your only point of view to the outside world, it can become too much.
Research shows most teen girls are on image-based platforms daily — including:
- 92% on YouTube
- 73% on TikTok
- 69% on Instagram
Experts explain that during adolescence, the emotional part of your brain develops faster than the judgment and decision-making part. That means comparisons can feel overwhelming before you even have time to think through them.
If you’ve ever scrolled and suddenly felt as though you’re not good enough, pretty enough, or included, then you’ve felt the outcome of social media comparison. Those reactions aren’t a sign of weakness, it’s just how developing brains work.
But alcohol doesn’t solve those feelings. It numbs them temporarily, then makes them louder later.
what alcohol actually does.
For teen girls especially, alcohol can:
- Increase anxiety and depression
- Lower your ability to protect yourself
- Make risky situations more likely
- Make next-day emotions worse
- Deepen isolation
When almost half of local girls already report feeling sad or hopeless, adding alcohol increases risk, rather than solving or reducing it. Alcohol only creates opportunities for more pain, shame, or regret.
You deserve real support, not a temporary escape that doesn’t free you of anything.
One friend. One honest text. One adult who listens. One moment of saying, “I’m not okay.”
Isolation only silences you further. Connection is the answer.
if you’re struggling.
If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or stuck:
Call or Text 988
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Free. Confidential. 24/7.
You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
These services are confidential and available to teens.
local support in Chaves County
You can ask about teen counseling or prevention services. Reaching out does not mean you are “in trouble.” It means you’re taking care of yourself.
You can also talk to:
- A trusted friend
- A coach
- A trusted teacher
- A parent or guardian
- A school counselor
Don’t worry about being perfect or being seen as broken. You’re not. Just start the conversation.
You’re not alone. Take the first step today and reach out to a friend, a family member, or a counselor.
La Casa Community Behavioral Health
200 W. Wilshire Blvd. Ste A
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 755-2272
www.lacasahealth.com