Addressing mental health issues among Indiana youth

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

A large percentage of young people in Indiana struggle with serious mental health issues. Nearly half of high school students experience depression, and suicide attempts among young people have increased at an already alarming rate. Behind these numbers are teenagers struggling in silence, families looking for support and a lack of resources to meet their most important needs. As concerns about mental health reach new heights, it is clear that we must act now to protect our children’s future. More than their mental well-being is at stake, but their ability to survive in a world that is becoming increasingly overwhelming.

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, influencing the way individuals think, feel and act. For young people, good mental health is crucial to developing coping skills, building relationships and coping with stress. Unfortunately, many young people in Indiana face significant mental health challenges that, if left unaddressed, can lead to long-term emotional and physical health problems. In addition to depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts, prolonged poor mental health is associated with an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, making access to early intervention and consistent support crucial to long-term well-being.

Trends in mental health

Latest findings from 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (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 almost identical to the 46.9% reported in 2021. Additionally, one-third of Indiana high school students reported experiencing poor mental health ‘most of the time or always’, up from 30.7% in 2021

More worrying is the increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In 2023, nearly 1 in 4 Indiana high school students (23.6%) reported planning to commit suicide and more than 1 in 6 (15.7%) reported attempting suicide, an increase from the previous year . These statistics highlight a disturbing fact: Suicide remains one of the three leading causes of death for children ages 10 to 19 in Indiana and has been for at least the last seven years.

Disproportions based on gender and sexual orientation

Mental health challenges among Indiana youth are not experienced equally by all demographic groups. The YRBS 2023 study found that female students are twice as likely to report poor mental health compared to their peers, a trend also observed 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 problems, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts compared to their heterosexual peers. 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. Eliminating these disparities is crucial to creating inclusive mental health care that supports all youth, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

Barriers

One of the greatest challenges to improving the mental health of Indiana’s youth is the persistence of barriers to accessing care. A 2024 Mental Health America (MHA) report found that 2 in 3 (66.4%) young people in Indiana who experienced major depression did not receive necessary treatment, an increase of 10.8 points percentage compared to the previous year. This lack of access exacerbates the statewide shortage of mental health providers. In 2023, Indiana had one mental health provider for every 500 residents, a slight improvement from the 530:1 ratio in 2022 but still far from the national average of 320:1. Moreover, these rates do not obscure the fact that the location of mental health services is not evenly distributed across the state: The Indiana Department of Public Health reports that 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties had a lack of mental health services.

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

Organizations working for youth

Indiana schools and community groups have a critical role to play in improving youth mental health access and outcomes. Prioritizing mental health training and capacity building in these organizations can position them as key partners in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

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

Promoting mental health awareness is another important step. Youth-serving organizations can incorporate mental health education into their programs, teaching young people how to manage stress, practice self-care, and recognize 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.

“Glimmers” of hope

In the midst of these mental health challenges, a concept known as “glimpses” offers a hopeful perspective. Flashes are small moments of joy, safety or connection that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calm and well-being. For young people struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, recognizing and accepting flashbacks can provide a short but significant respite from distressing thoughts and feelings.

These flashes serve as the opposite of triggers – although triggers cause negative emotional responses, flashes can help individuals feel grounded and connected. Youth-serving organizations can play a key role in helping young people identify and cultivate these moments in their everyday lives. By incorporating mindfulness practices, encouraging reflection on positive experiences, and creating an environment where flashes can naturally occur, organizations can increase the emotional resilience of the youth they serve.

Addressing the mental health challenges facing Indiana’s youth requires a coordinated effort by 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 in which every young person in Indiana receives the mental health care and support they need to lead healthy, successful and fulfilling lives.

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