Addressing Mental Health Challenges Among Indiana Youth

by Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute

A large share of Indiana’s youth grapple with serious mental health challenges. Nearly half of high school students report experiencing depression, and what were already alarming rates of youth suicide attempts have increased. Behind these numbers are teens struggling in silence, families searching for support, and a lack of the resources to meet their critical needs. As mental health concerns reach new levels, it’s clear we must act now to protect the future of our children. What is at stake is more than their mental well-being, but their ability to thrive in a world that increasingly feels overwhelming.

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

Mental Health Trends Among Indiana Youth

Recent findings from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) reveal the widespread nature of mental health struggles 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 experiencing poor mental health “most of the time or always,” an increase from a rate of 30.7% in 2021.

More alarming is the increase in suicidal ideation and behavior. In 2023, nearly 1 in 4 Indiana high school students (23.6%) reported having made a plan to commit suicide, and more than 1 in 6 (15.7%) reported having attempted suicide, marking a rise from the previous year. These statistics highlight a disturbing fact: suicide remains one of the top three causes of death for Indiana children aged 10 to 19, and has for at least the past seven years.

Disparities in Mental Health by Gender and Sexual Orientation

Mental health challenges among Indiana youth are not experienced equally across all demographic groups. The 2023 YRBS found that female students are twice as likely to report poor mental health compared to their male peers, a trend also observed in previous years. This gender disparity is concerning, as it points to the unique mental health pressures faced by young women, pressures that are often compounded by societal expectations and experiences of discrimination.

LGBTQ+ students also face disproportionately higher rates of mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, 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 care that supports all youth, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Barriers to Mental Health Care Access

One of the biggest challenges to improving youth mental health 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 who experienced major depression did not receive necessary 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 for every 500 residents, a modest improvement from the ratio of 530:1 in 2022, but still far behind the national average of 320:1. Furthermore, these ratios obscure that the location of mental health providers are not evenly spread across the state: the Indiana Department of Public Health reports that 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties had a mental health provider shortage.

These challenges also impact parents and caregivers. The National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) found that 27.6% of Indiana parents reported 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 during critical moments in their children’s lives. Without sufficient resources, many young people may fall through the cracks, facing worsening mental health without the help they need.

How Youth-Serving Organizations Can Help

Schools and community groups in Indiana have an essential role to play in improving youth mental health access and outcomes. Prioritizing mental health training and capacity-building within these organizations can turn them into key partners in supporting young people’s mental health and well-being.

One effective strategy is training staff to recognize the signs of mental health issues, trauma, and stress in young people. Programs like Youth Mental Health First Aid, offered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, equip educators and youth workers with skills needed to identify mental health concerns early on. Another promising approach is implementing peer mentorship programs, where 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 literacy is another essential step. Youth-serving organizations can incorporate mental health education into their programming, teaching young people how to manage stress, practice self-care, and recognize the early signs of mental health issues. Mental health literacy helps reduce stigma, making it easier for young people to seek help when they need it most.

Internal Policies and Resource Development

In addition to training and education, youth-serving organizations should develop clear internal policies to ensure mental health is prioritized. These policies should include access to mental health services, response plans for crises, and protections against bullying, discrimination, and violence. National guidelines, such as those from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provide a strong foundation for developing these policies.

Collaboration with families and caregivers is also critical. Youth-serving organizations should actively connect families with mental health resources in Indiana, such as the services offered by the Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA). These resources include Child Mental Health Wraparound Services and access to crisis hotlines like the 988 Lifeline. Ensuring that families are aware of these services can make a significant difference in the long-term well-being of Indiana youth.

Finding ‘Glimmers’ of Hope

Amid these mental health challenges, a concept known as “glimmers” offers a hopeful perspective. Glimmers are small moments of joy, safety, or connection that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calm and well-being. For young people dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, recognizing and embracing glimmers can provide brief but meaningful respite from distressing 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-serving organizations can play a pivotal role in helping young people identify and cultivate these moments in their daily lives. By incorporating mindfulness practices, encouraging reflection on positive experiences, and creating environments where glimmers can naturally occur, organizations can enhance the emotional resilience of the youth they serve.

Addressing the mental health challenges faced by Indiana’s youth requires a coordinated effort from schools, community organizations, families, and policymakers. By increasing access to care, promoting mental health literacy, and ensuring that support systems are in place, we can create an environment in which all young people have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build a future where every young person in Indiana receives the mental health care and support they need to lead healthy, successful, and fulfilling lives.