Addressing Mental Health Resource Shortages in Rural Wisconsin Schools

Across communities in Wisconsin, young people are sounding a warning: Their mental health is struggling. Half of Wisconsin high school students reported feeling anxious, a third said they were depressed, and one in five admitted to self-harming, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2021.

In Antigo, a town of approximately 8,000 residents in Langlade County, mental health concerns mirror those seen in urban settings. Unfortunately, a lack of mental health resources combined with persistent negative attitudes towards mental illness hinders progress.

Challenges in Rural Schools

Chris Bucher, communications director for the Department of Public Instruction, spoke about the hurdles faced by rural schools, stating, ‘One of the clearest and biggest challenges for rural schools is a lack of resources.’ This shortfall includes not only financial limitations but also a scarcity of trained mental health professionals like counselors and clinicians.

Dillon Gretzinger, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northwoods, shared his struggle to attract qualified staff, highlighting that businesses like Walmart can offer better salaries. The club, which serves 60 to 100 children, relies heavily on community support.

Antigo High School has just two counselors for around 800 students, a stark contrast to the national recommendation of one counselor for every 250 students. ‘The counselors really do care,’ said junior Ashley Pranke, ‘They just can’t do it all.’

Telehealth Trends and Community Solutions

While some districts have started using telehealth services, this approach has limitations. Tracy Schlegel, executive director of NAMI of the Northwoods, noted that virtual meetings can hinder counselors’ ability to observe non-verbal cues and that families often feel less connected to providers through screens.

Changing Attitudes Towards Mental Health

Stigma surrounding mental health persists in rural areas, making it daunting for individuals to seek help. Schlegel noted, ‘In very tight-knit communities, it’s sometimes difficult to say, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on with me. Where do I get help?” She added, ‘Self-medication through social activities is common.’

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Despite obstacles, local youth are advocating for mental health awareness through initiatives like the NAMI-sponsored Raise Your Voice Clubs. These clubs offer a supportive space for students to discuss their mental health and engage in advocacy. ‘When we do something as a group, students can see that mental health affects everyone,’ said Amanda Mohr, the club’s facilitator.

Looking Ahead

The DPI is pushing for an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach to address the mental health needs of students in rural areas. Bucher emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting children’s mental health. ‘We all want to see our children thrive,’ added Auner, a social-emotional learning specialist at the Boys and Girls Club.

As communities rally to address these challenges, it becomes clear that investing in mental health resources is essential for nurturing the well-being of future generations.