Depression/Anxiety on the Rise for Madison Students: Report

There is good news and some concerning news regarding recent surveys of Madison youths.

The good news is that concerns regarding underage drinking and drug consumption have decreased over the years, but the number of youths who say they feel either depressed or anxious is on the rise, reports the Madison Source.

Every two years the Madison Youth and Family Services surveys high school students to ascertain how they feel on major issues impacting them.

The key findings include: 10 percent of students say they are seriously concerned about their depression levels, while a staggering 17 percent of females say they feel depressed, the Source reports, according to the survey.

Madison Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice said students feels significantly more pressure now because of the high stakes nature of standardized testing, which he’s worked to reduce at the local level.

Madison Youth and Family Service is already working on programs to assist students. 

Read the full Madison Source story here.