May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Indiana youth advocates said strong relationships and supportive adults can improve teen mental health.

Data from the Indiana Youth Institute show nearly 30% of Indiana students in grades 7-12 reported feeling sad or depressed for at least two weeks in 2024. Nearly 14% said they had considered suicide.

Tami Silverman, president and CEO of the institute, said small, everyday moments can help protect kids from deeper struggles.

“This can be a family dinner without phones. It can be a mentor who comes back time and time again. It can be a coach who not only checks in and says, ‘How are you doing?’ but asks a second follow-up question that really pushes just a little bit more,” Silverman outlined.

Supporters said schools and community groups are expanding counseling and mentoring programs. Some critics argued schools should stay focused on academics and leave other responsibilities to families. Mental health experts said support at home and school often works best together.

Silverman pointed out communities also play a role in helping young people feel connected.

“Families play that critical role but they are not responsible for carrying all of this alone. That’s where the schools and communities become those essential partners in helping with youth mental health. So they can, again, foster some of those connections,” Silverman said.

The Indiana Youth Institute says some student mental health indicators have improved from prior years, but advocates say continued support remains critical.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Source: Public News Service