The mental health landscape for teenagers in Wisconsin is alarming, wiht girls and LGBTQ+ youth bearing the heaviest burden. Over the past decade, the prevalence of depression among young people has surged by 42%, painting a grim picture of their emotional well-being. Shockingly, one in four girls has contemplated suicide, while 40% of LGBTQ teens have faced similar thoughts.
These distressing figures were unveiled by the state Office of Children’s Mental Health, a department established in 2013 by the Legislature. With a decade of data at its disposal, the office is striving to address this crisis.
Linda Hall, the department’s director, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “The scope of the problem demands collective action,” she stated. “We underscore collective action as we recognize it requires a united effort—from policymakers, pediatricians, and parents—to truly enhance children’s mental health.”
Young people are grappling with a host of stressors, according to the report. Academic pressures, gun violence, political polarization, racism, and climate change are all feeding into their anxiety and depression. Additionally,25% of teens are sleeping less than their peers did a decade ago,with over half staying awake past midnight,glued to their devices.
“Our young people are navigating a vastly different world than the one most of us grew up in,” Hall remarked, highlighting the unique challenges they face.
Access to Mental Health Support Remains Scarce for Teens
even as mental health issues among Wisconsin’s youth escalate, access to help is dwindling.While every school in the state is mandated to have a nurse, most are part-time, and 25% of districts lack one entirely. although the number of mental health professionals in schools is growing, it still falls short of the recommended threshold, as Hall noted.
Worse still, half of Wisconsin’s youth with diagnosed mental health conditions—such as depression, anxiety, or behavioral disorders—receive no treatment, the report reveals.
A tragic case underscores this gap: Erik Mendoza, a 15-year-old, fatally assaulted 5-year-old Prince mccree in October 2023. McCree’s body was discovered in a dumpster after being reported missing by his mother. State Sen. LaTonya Johnson,who resides nearby,knew Mendoza’s mother and had assisted in the search for McCree.
Johnson recounted Mendoza’s mother’s desperate attempts to secure mental health care for her son. “She was instructed to keep him indoors,” Johnson shared during the report’s presentation. “That was his mental health treatment plan.She was among those families persistently seeking services, yet they remained unavailable—until now.”
Mendoza now faces six felony charges, including first-degree intentional homicide. Tried as an adult,he has pleaded not guilty due to mental illness,and a judge is set to review a doctor’s report next month.
“Mental health is a crisis, but it’s one that’s frequently met with law enforcement,” johnson observed. “Children in crisis need compassion. Not handcuffs.” She advocates for expanding mobile crisis response teams across Wisconsin.
State Rep. Patrick Snyder, who oversees the Assembly Children and Families Committee, supports mental health screenings for children by age 5, aiming to intervene early in this pressing issue.
What are some specific policy recommendations Dr. Carter would make to address the mental health crisis among Wisconsin’s youth, especially for girls and LGBTQ+ youth?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Clinical psychologist and Youth Mental Health Advocate
Archyde news editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The recent report from Wisconsin’s Office of Children’s Mental Health paints a concerning picture of the mental health crisis among teenagers, particularly girls and LGBTQ+ youth. Can you share your thoughts on these findings?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me.The data is indeed alarming. A 42% increase in depression among young people over the past decade is a stark indicator of the growing mental health challenges our youth are facing. What’s particularly troubling is the disproportionate impact on girls and LGBTQ+ teens. one in four girls and 40% of LGBTQ+ youth contemplating suicide is a call to action we cannot ignore.
Archyde News Editor: Why do you think these groups are bearing the heaviest burden?
Dr. Emily Carter: There are multiple factors at play. For girls, societal pressures, body image issues, and the pervasive influence of social media contribute substantially to their emotional distress. LGBTQ+ youth,conversely,often face discrimination,bullying,and a lack of acceptance in their communities,which exacerbates feelings of isolation and hopelessness. these groups are also more likely to internalize stress and trauma, making them more vulnerable to mental health struggles.
Archyde News Editor: The report highlights that one in 10 Wisconsin teens attempted suicide in 2021. What can be done to address this crisis?
Dr. Emily Carter: Prevention and early intervention are key. Schools and communities need to prioritize mental health education and create safe spaces where young people feel comfortable seeking help. We also need to increase access to mental health services, particularly in underserved areas. Telehealth has been a game-changer in this regard, but we need more funding and resources to make these services widely available.
Additionally, we must address the root causes of this crisis. This includes tackling systemic issues like bullying, discrimination, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Parents, educators, and policymakers all have a role to play in creating a supportive habitat for our youth.
Archyde News Editor: The Office of Children’s Mental Health has been collecting data for a decade now.How vital is this data in shaping effective policies?
Dr. Emily Carter: Data is absolutely critical. it allows us to identify trends, understand the scope of the problem, and measure the impact of interventions.The fact that this office has a decade of data is invaluable. It provides a comprehensive picture of how mental health challenges have evolved over time and highlights areas where we need to focus our efforts.
Such as, the data shows that LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected, which underscores the need for targeted support programs.Without this details, we’d be working in the dark.
Archyde News Editor: What message would you like to send to teenagers who may be struggling with their mental health?
Dr. Emily Carter: My message is simple: You are not alone, and help is available.It’s okay to not be okay,and reaching out for support is a sign of strength,not weakness. Whether it’s talking to a trusted adult, a counselor, or a friend, there are people who care about you and want to help. You matter, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights and for your dedication to improving the mental health of young people.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. Together, we can make a difference.
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This interview highlights the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis among Wisconsin’s youth and emphasizes the need for collective action to support vulnerable groups.
