COLUMBUS, Ohio-Ohio health leaders emphasize the importance of parents assisting their children in developing mental health coping mechanisms and resilience, particularly as youth grapple with loneliness and the adverse effects of social media. A 2021 survey revealed that over 42% of Ohio high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Rates of depression, both among youth and adults, have been on the rise for the past decade, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Despite some leveling off, Ohio has witnessed an increase in suicides since 2017, with a peak in 2018. Dr. Ariana Hoet, from the Kids Mental Health Foundation, and Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, from the Ohio Department of Health, stress the need for proactive measures to address mental health issues among youth.
