BY ERIN NICHOLS TUESDAY, JUNE 28TH 2016

SAN ANTONIO — Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among teens.

But a new study from Ball State University found Latina adolescents are more at risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts than white or African American youths.

“The Latino or Hispanic population is the majority in Bexar County, so it affects everyone,” said Elizabeth Lutz who is the executive director of the Health Collaborative.

The organization studies mental health in Bexar County where one in 5 children have a mental illness.

According to the study, female Latino adolescents were more prone to experiencing: poverty, substance abuse, high family expectations, and issues at school, including peer acceptance and violence.

“It doesn’t have to be family violence, just violence in your neighborhood,” said Lutz. “If you don’t feel safe, you’re not going to live a healthy life.”

Access to mental health care and stigmas around mental illness also contribute.

“It’s real important for families to understand that the issues they had then are not what youth are dealing with now, there’s a lot more stress,” Lutz said.

Source: Young Latinas at greater risk of suicide, study says | WOAI