MADISON, Wis. — Adolescents in Wisconsin are reporting increasing thoughts of suicide and feelings of depression and anxiety, according to a new report released Friday by the state’s Office of Children’s Mental Health.
The report found that nearly 34% of Wisconsin students said they feel sad and hopeless almost every day, a statistic that has researchers searching for solutions.
In a report briefing Friday afternoon, leaders with the OCMH highlighted several points of progress and several areas where significant improvement is needed.
As far as progress, bullying has slightly decreased, the teen birth rate has dropped, and the number of school social workers, counselors, and psychologists has increased. When it comes to room for improvement, they say more needs to be done to address a rising trend of students experiencing negative mental health.
“There’s lower academic performance, students are feeling less connected to their schools than they did five years ago, and the number of students who are experiencing negative mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide, are all increasing,” said Amy Marsman, a senior research analyst with OCMH.
One of the most startling statistics from the report is that over half of Wisconsin high schoolers said they have experienced struggles with anxiety and depression. What’s more is that a third of them said they feel sad and hopeless every day, a 10% increase from 2012.
Ava Pellegrino, a student at Mukwonago High School, is one of those teenagers who has experienced the effects of negative mental health.
“In casual conversations with my peers and friends, I have found this statistic to be endorsed by at least 50%,” said Pellegrino, who serves as a lived experience partner for OCMH. “I myself have anxiety and work actively to manage it every day. I believe that this statistic increases during high school as educational stakes become higher, with pressures of graduation, achieving higher-level education, or going out into the workforce.”
While COVID-19 relief funding has allowed for an increase in the number of school-based mental health professionals, the state’s professional-to-patient ratio remains at 440:1 while the national recommendation is 250:1.
Pellegrino hopes the report’s findings shine a light on an issue that’s been hiding in the shadows for far too long.
“I think COVID is a time many pinpoint the start of this increase in mental health issues,” Pellegrino said. “However, I do feel these issues were on the rise even prior to COVID and that perhaps COVID gave us the reason we need to seek the help, to speak up about issues that have been left unaddressed for decades.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or considering suicide, there are resources available to help. Calling 988 nationwide will connect you to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In Dane County, Journey Mental Health Center has a 24/7 suicide prevention hotline at 608-280-2600.
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