Bernice Pescosolido and Leslie Hulvershorn discuss alarming numbers of depression and suicide among Indiana’s youth

Indiana teens and adolescents continue to be at risk for anxiety, depression and suicide.

According to the Indiana government, suicide is the second leading cause for Hoosiers between the ages of 10 to 34. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 1,000 Hoosiers have been lost to suicide each year since 2016. COVID-19’s impact has also played a role, as the Indiana Youth Institute found just under 20 percent of high school students considered attempting suicide in 2020.

Nationally, Indiana ranks behind many states in mental health aspects. According to Mental Health America, Indiana ranks 41st in adult mental health, 23rd in youth mental health, 43rd in access to mental health care and 39th overall.

Other major concerns include the need for proper resources and funding, as Indiana ranks 45th in public health funding per person at $40 less than the national average, according to the United Health Foundation.

Irsay Institute Director Bernice Pescosolido and Continuity Lead Leslie Hulvershorn joined Noon Edition on Friday, October 20 to talk with experts about mental health concerns among Indiana teens and adolescents. The recording is available on WFIU.