LAS CRUCES – Southern New Mexico’s kids are experiencing a mental health crisis. Along with a trend seen nationwide, Southern New Mexico’s current middle and high schoolers – who together comprise the younger members of Gen Z – are experiencing steeper mental health challenges than kids before them. And they’re living out a seeming paradox. On one hand, youth overall are engaging in less risky behaviors – like drinking and smoking – than earlier generations. But they’re seeing higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior. One Las Cruces-based mental health counselor said an overall lack of motivation is a big problem in schools.