Addressing mental health issues among youth in Indiana

Nearly half (47%) of students reported experiencing depression in the past year, a figure nearly identical to the 46.9% reported in 2021. (Getty Images)

A large portion of Indiana’s youth are struggling with serious mental health issues. Nearly half of high school students report being depressed, and the already alarming rates of suicide attempts among young people have increased. Behind these numbers are teens struggling in silence, families looking for support, and a lack of resources to meet their critical needs. With mental health concerns reaching new levels, it is clear that we must take action now to protect our children’s future. What’s at stake is more than their mental well-being, but their ability to thrive in a world that feels increasingly overwhelming.

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being and influences how individuals think, feel and act. For young people, good mental health is crucial for developing coping skills, building relationships and managing stress. Unfortunately, many young people in Indiana face significant mental health issues that, if left unaddressed, can lead to long-term emotional and physical health problems. In addition to depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts, long-term poor mental health is linked to increased risks of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, making access to early intervention and consistent support crucial for long-term wellbeing.

Trends in mental health care

Recent findings from the Research into risk behavior among young people 2023 (YRBS) reveal the widespread nature of mental health problems among Indiana high school students. Nearly half (47%) of students reported experiencing depression in the past year, a figure nearly identical to the 46.9% reported in 2021. Additionally, one-third of Indiana high school students reported having poor mental health “most or all of the time.” ”, an increase from a rate of 30.7% in 2021.

More worrying is the increase in numbers suicidal thoughts and behavior. In 2023, nearly 1 in 4 Indiana high school students (23.6%) reported making a plan to commit suicide, and more than 1 in 6 (15.7%) reported attempting suicide, which represents an increase compared to the previous year. These statistics highlight a troubling fact: suicide remains one of the top three causes of death for children ages 10 to 19 in Indiana, and has been for at least seven years.

Differences based on gender and sexual orientation

Mental health issues among youth in Indiana are not experienced equally by all demographic groups. The 2023 YRBS found that female students are twice as likely to have poor mental health than their male peers, a trend also seen in previous years. This gender disparity is concerning because it highlights the unique mental health pressures that young women face, pressures that are often exacerbated by societal expectations and experiences of discrimination.

LGBTQ+ students also face disproportionately higher rates of mental health issues, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts compared to their heterosexual counterparts. These disparities highlight the need for mental health support systems that are sensitive to the unique experiences of young women and LGBTQ+ youth and can ensure their specific needs are met. Addressing these disparities is crucial to creating inclusive mental health services that support all young people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Barriers

One of the biggest challenges in improving youth mental health care in Indiana is the persistence of barriers to accessing care. The 2024 Mental Health America (MHA) report found that 2 in 3 (66.4%) Indiana youth experiencing major depression were not receiving needed treatment, an increase of 10.8 percentage points from the previous year. This lack of access is compounded by a shortage of mental health providers across the state. In 2023, Indiana had one mental health provider per 500 residents, a modest improvement from the 2022 ratio of 530:1, but still far behind the national average of 320:1. Furthermore, these ratios obscure the fact that the locations of mental health providers are not evenly distributed across the state: The Indiana Department of Public Health reports that 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties had a shortage of mental health providers.

These challenges also impact parents and caregivers. The National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) found that 27.6% of Indiana parents reported having difficulty accessing mental health care for their children in 2022, a rate higher than the national average of 24%. For families, this difficulty in accessing care can leave them feeling unsupported at critical times in their children’s lives. Without sufficient resources, many young people may fall through the cracks and face deteriorating mental health without the help they need.

Youth organizations

Schools and community groups in Indiana play a vital role in improving mental health access and outcomes for youth. By prioritizing mental health training and capacity building within these organisations, they can become key partners in supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

One effective strategy is to train staff to recognize the signs of mental health issues, trauma and stress in young people. Programs such as Youth Mental Health First Aid, offered by the National Council for Mental Wellness, equip teachers and youth workers with skills needed to identify mental health problems early. Another promising approach is to implement peer mentorship programs, in which older or more experienced youth mentor younger peers. These programs provide a support structure for youth and positive outcomes for both mentors and mentees.

Promoting mental health literacy is another essential step. Youth organizations can incorporate mental health education into their programs, teaching young people how to manage stress, practice self-care and recognize the early signs of mental health problems. Mental health literacy helps reduce stigma, making it easier for young people to seek help when they need it most.

‘Shining’ with hope

Amid these mental health challenges, a concept known as “glimmers” offers a hopeful perspective. Glimmers are small moments of joy, security or connection that activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote calmness and well-being. For young people dealing with stress, anxiety or depression, recognizing and embracing glimpses can provide a brief but meaningful respite from troubling thoughts or feelings.

These glimmers serve as the opposite of triggers. While triggers provoke negative emotional responses, glimmers can help individuals feel grounded and connected. Youth organizations can play a central role in helping young people identify and cultivate these moments in their daily lives. By integrating mindfulness practices, encouraging reflection on positive experiences, and creating environments where glimpses can occur naturally, organizations can increase the emotional resilience of the youth they serve.

Addressing the mental health challenges facing Indiana youth requires a coordinated effort among schools, community organizations, families and policymakers. By increasing access to care, promoting mental health literacy, and ensuring support systems are in place, we can create an environment where all young people have the opportunity to thrive. Together we can build a future where every young person in Indiana gets the mental health care and support he or she needs to live a healthy, successful, and fulfilling life.

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