Local Clinicians Report Rising Teen Anxiety and Depression

On November 8, 2025 regional reporting by Northern Express gathered observations from clinicians in Traverse City and Leelanau County who described what they see as rising rates of anxiety and depression among local children and teenagers. Data cited from the Youth Wellness Initiative alongside national surveys point to high rates of moderate to severe anxiety and depression among teens, a pattern that mental health professionals say is showing up in local practices and schools.

Clinicians described common signs parents and caregivers should watch for, including changes in sleep and appetite, social withdrawal, and persistent complaints of headaches or stomachaches without an obvious medical cause. Providers noted that lingering social avoidance from the COVID era has amplified anxiety for many young people, and that increased screen time and pressure related to school and social media are adding to stress.

Local therapists and youth serving professionals described pragmatic steps families can take at home to reduce risk and support recovery. Establishing device boundaries at bedtime, monitoring and discussing online content with children, and staying actively involved in treatment were recommended as immediate actions parents can take. The reporting also emphasized that many youth in northern Michigan report nature and outdoor time as especially restorative, an insight that may help schools and community programs tailor supports that fit the region.

The local implications are practical and urgent. Schools can consider expanding structured outdoor time and outdoor learning opportunities. Pediatricians and school counselors may see increased demand for assessment and referral services, and families should be aware that early recognition and engagement with a provider can improve outcomes. Youth serving organizations can leverage the region's natural settings by offering outdoor based activities that build social connections and reduce screen centered isolation.

Therapists advised focusing on confidence building and teaching coping skills, including breathing techniques, gradual exposure to feared situations, and problem solving for academic and social challenges. They recommended seeking professional help when symptoms persist or interfere with daily life and functioning, and when physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches continue without medical explanation.

As clinicians and community leaders work to respond, the reporting makes clear that local solutions can be both clinical and community based. For families in Grand Traverse County, practical steps at home and increased access to outdoor and social opportunities may provide meaningful relief while providers work to expand supports for young people facing anxiety and depression.