Statewide — Children in Indiana are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression, according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book.
The report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation says mental health is a concern across the country, as kids felt the pressures from COVID-19.
Tami Silverman is President and CEO of Indiana Youth Institute, which is part of the Kids Count Network. She says nationally, nearly 12 percent of children had anxiety or depression – an increase of 26 percent between 2016 and 2020.
“But in our own state, it increased almost 36% in just the last four years. That’s a little higher than the national average and it’s a tremendous increase. So we know that more kids are struggling,” Silverman said.
The report indicates more counselors in schools is one way to address these growing numbers.
In overall child well-being, Indiana ranked 28th among states, the second highest rating among its four neighboring states.
