INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Oct. 28, 2015)– Getting teens to talk about their personal life is not always an easy task, and talking about their mental health can be even more difficult. The Indiana Youth Institute data book shows more than 41 of Hoosier kids who are in need of mental health services do not receive treatment. Children five years old and younger were the least likely to get help.
“There are problems like bullying, family, backgrounds, depression, even suicidal thoughts as a young person and as a teen,” said Program Director of Youth Philanthropy of Indiana Jill Gordon.
Teens deal with different pressures and issues on a daily basis and can easily become overwhelmed or feel under pressure, which can lead to several mental health issues. If they go untreated, experts say they could feel the negative effects for years.
“It can be hard to pull out the issues or get the kids to talk about the problems they are facing in their daily life,” said Gordon.
Mental health problems may go undiagnosed and untreated in children simply because adults don’t know the signs and symptoms of the issue. So, the Indiana Youth Institute teamed up with their community partners to discuss mental illness among young people. They are hosting two meetings on a topic they believe needs to be discussed.
“We can’t assist youth in succeeding academically, with life skills, or in college without addressing some of the mental health issues they are facing,” said Gordon.
The Indiana Youth Institute is giving teachers, counselors and parents the tools they need to help their child and stop the negative stigma that goes with mental illness.
“I think there are a lot of resources out there, it is just discovering where they are located and what is accessible to different people in different areas,” said attendee Laura Phillips.
The next meeting is being held at Gleaners Food Bank on November 3 at 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
