The Office of Children's Mental Health (OCMH) creates an annual report to articulate the current well-being of children, teens, and young adults in Wisconsin. The report also highlights the efforts of OCMH and State Department partners to address the system of children's mental health. Look for our report in January of each year.
Belonging is the key to wellness, unlocking solutions to mitigate the youth mental health crisis.
Extracurricular Activities
| Data shows that extracurricular participation is linked with lower anxiety and depression, and less suicidality.
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Peer-Led Mental Wellness Groups
| School-based peer-led wellness programs
are in place throughout the entire state. A
recent study found one such program reduced suicide attempts by 29%.
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Supportive Adults
| Having a trusting and supportive relationship with adults – not just parents – is one of the hallmarks of positive mental health.
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Youth Leadership
| Kids who feel they have a sense of control over their life, and have a say in matters affecting their lives, have better life outcomes.
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Why Belonging Matters
Having a sense of belonging and being socially connected is critical to both physical and mental health and foundational to child well-being.
Belonging and connectedness can be improved and they do not require a mental health professional to help. Daily practices at home, in schools, and in communities that intentionally build interpersonal connections for young people help to create a sense of belonging.
“I have never belonged more than with my Cheer family. I'm lucky to be from a district that covers the most expensive cost of the sport, and I would not have been able to join otherwise."
- Alivia, Wisconsin High School Student
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