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Mental illness among young people has become a global problem.
Across the planet, one in seven 10- to 19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization. Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders rank among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which oversees the Kids Count program tracking the wellbeing of youth, 13% of Michigan 3- to 17-year-olds had anxiety or depression in 2020, a 13% increase from 2016.
Experts blame the problem on the prevalence of social media, which makes it easier to bully people and can make kids feel more isolated and alone, despite its stated goal of connecting people. The COVID-19 pandemic, when many youth witnessed family members dying while being isolated at home during school closures and stay-at-home orders, has made things worse.
Our kids have had it rough, especially the last few years.
We have to do something about that.
Alpena Public Schools is taking steps.
At 5:30 p.m. today at Alpena High School, APS will hold a community discussion about mental health, featuring officials from the district and from community partners, including the Sunset Project, a local nonprofit founded by APS graduates Nick Poli, Kevin O'Brien and Gavin MacDonald.
The Sunset Project will also implement an evidence-based, nationally recognized program in health classes at Alpena High this spring.
In addition to the current emotional turmoil, which can lead kids to disengage from school and social activities, mental illness can lead to physical illnesses later in life.
We need to take care of our youth, and we're glad to see APS making strides to do so.
We all can play a part by supporting the young people in our lives.