The Office of Children's Mental Health (OCMH) creates fact sheets on various topics which contribute to the well-being of youth in Wisconsin. OCMH regularly releases a new fact sheet offering up-to-date research and actionable suggestions for families, communities, and decision-makers. Each fact sheet contains detailed information about key issues and topics affecting children's mental health in Wisconsin.
This fact sheet is also available in Spanish and Hmong
Explore More Fact Sheets By Topic Area
Publication
| Brief Description
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Enhancing College Students' Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Like adolescents, young adults are experiencing elevated rates of mental health problems. The mental health challenges of college and university students are particularly pronounced. Long-term effects of the pandemic continue to shape young people’s mental health. As these students transition into adulthood, it is critical they are prepared to manage their mental health and receive support for their well-being. (February 2025)
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Hispanic Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Hispanic child poverty rates are higher than any other racial group. Hispanics are the youngest major racial/ethnic group in the country with a third of their population younger than 18 years old. Hispanic people were about twice as likely to die from COVID-19 compared to White people. Because poverty, marginalization, and poor health all contribute to a decline in youth mental health, we need to prioritize our Hispanic children. (October 2022)
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Improving Girls Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Teen girls have reported record high levels of violence, depression, self-harm, and suicide risk, often twice that of boys. Both male and female adolescents report school as their top stressor. But girls have unique stressors on top of academics, including early sexualization and societal pressures around body image, that can lead to poor mental health. Quality teen friendships and school belonging can protect kids from mental health concerns throughout their adolescence and even extend into adulthood. (August 2023)
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Infant and Toddler Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Everyone has thoughts, emotions, and behaviors – what we know as mental health – infants and toddlers are no different. Having positive mental health and responsive relationships in early childhood is critical to a child’s health, as well as their caregivers’. Building awareness of the importance of early childhood mental health and prioritizing the mental health of young children and their caregivers leads to positive effects on a community-wide level. (February 2024)
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Supporting Kids With Disabilities
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Children with disabilities – whether physical, intellectual, or developmental – have higher rates of mental health conditions than children without disabilities. The mental health conditions have a significant, lasting, and negative impact on their lives. These children with the most needs also tend to be the most underserved by our care system. (July 2024)
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Understanding Boys' Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Research shows young men have little optimism for their futures and the lowest levels of social support when compared to other ages and genders. Males account for 80% of suicide deaths. Given the long-standing societal pressures for boys not to share their feelings and refrain from discussing mental health, collectively we have to focus on boys’ mental health and take steps to improve their well-being. (April 2025)
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Publication
| Brief Description |
Extracurriculars & Youth Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Kids who participate in extracurricular activities such as lessons, sports, afterschool clubs, or community service tend to have better mental health. Extracurriculars are organized activities that teach important life skills like teamwork, interpersonal communication, and stress management, which in turn bolster kids’ well-being and improve their lifetime outcomes. Additionally, extracurriculars, whether organized through school or a community-based organization, increase belonging – an essential ingredient for mental well-being. (July 2025)
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Healthy Screen Time in a Digital World
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Televisions, smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles are a common part of daily life for kids. However, the more time kids spend on screens, the less time they have for healthy sleep habits, physical activity, time outdoors, and in-person time to connect with friends and family, all of which improve well-being. Researchers have warned that too much time on screens can impair the development of social skills, critical thinking, and impulse control. Since digital connections are often the primary mode of communication among kids, and profoundly shape young people’s lives, some experts advise following a Goldilocks rule – not too much and not too little time on screens. (April 2022)
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Library Support of Youth Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Libraries can play an important role in supporting youth mental health. They offer safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments that help youth explore their interests; connect to trusted adults; play and participate in activities that enrich learning; and foster community connections, all of which build mental health and resilience. Libraries also help parents dealing with financial strain access community resources that can mitigate housing, health, or legal stress – all drivers of mental health concerns in families. (October 2023)
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Peer Support
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Peer support is a form of community care where those with lived experience help others navigate an issue through supportive relationships. Peer support helps fill gaps in the mental health workforce with roles such as recovery coaches, community health navigators, and certified peer specialists. Youth-led peer mental health groups play an important role as kids often turn to their friends and peers first for help. Peer support can be an effective, accessible, empowering, and affordable approach to meeting the mental health needs of families. (February 2023)
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Publication
| Brief Description
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Attendance, Absenteeism, and Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Chronic absenteeism negatively impacts student mental health and has long-term effects that ripple into adulthood. Consistent school attendance is one of the best indicators of student engagement and learning, but also of fami¬ly and child well-being. Regular school attendance leads to improved academic, economic, health, and relational outcomes over a child’s lifetime. When students miss school, their absence can lead to social isolation, anxiety, and loneliness – and for those with existing mental health challenges – deepen their struggles. (October 2025)
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Middle School Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Middle school is a time of profound change, both academically and personally. Student workloads increase, puberty be gins, independence increases, and identities take shape. Each of these changes can be stressful. This stage is also a time for curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills to grow. Preparing tweens to manage stress and emotions before high school enables them to enter their teen years with skills that will protect their mental health long into the future. (February 2026)
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School Nurses & Youth Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| School nurses do more than just provide bandages and ice packs. They are critical team members who care for both students and staff. School nurses help manage students’ chronic health conditions, render first aid, administer life-saving medications like epinephrine and naloxone, monitor communicable diseases, and provide immunizations, plus conduct vision and hearing screenings. Now more than ever, school nurses are also managing student mental health. (October 2024)
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Strengthening Student Mental Health
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| Fostering positive mental health in students can improve their overall health and improves student learning, attendance, and engagement. Positive mental health also reduces bullying, risky behaviors, substance abuse, school violence, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Since students spend the majority of their days at school, strengthening student mental health in school benefits the whole school community. (August 2022)
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Universal Screening
Spanish Version
Hmong Version
| It’s estimated that 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Due to a shortage of mental health professionals, financial obstacles, and social stigma, few kids receive the mental heath care they need. Universal mental health screening—wellness screens—can be conducted in schools or doctors’ offices to catch kids who may be struggling, identify their strengths, and provide resources before they reach a tipping point. {June 2023)
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