Anxiety & Depression

Nearly half of Detroit youth experience anxiety, depression, or trauma. 56% reported symptoms of anxiety and 62% reported symptoms of depression, according to Michigan Medicine. Girls experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than boys.

Trauma

Many students have experienced trauma and significant mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation. Exposure to violence and poverty exacerbates mental health challenges.

Suicidal Ideation

23% of students reported having seriously thought about attempting suicide in the past year, and 31% reported thoughts of suicide or self-harm in the past two weeks.

Academic Stress

This is a top concern identified by students, followed by anxiety, depression, and family stress.

Barriers to Mental Healthcare Access

Many students who need care are not receiving it. Common barriers include preferring to cope alone, believing services won’t be helpful, and embarrassment or stigma. Transportation and language access are also significant barriers for families.

Substance Use

While teen drug use remains below pre-pandemic levels, a percentage of students report using alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis. Binge drinkers are significantly more likely to use marijuana and illicit drugs.

Disparities in Mental Health

Certain groups of students face even higher risks. Students who identify as BIPOC, gender nonbinary, transgender, or LGBTQIA+, and those who have experienced homelessness, have higher rates of mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.