The risks of vaping and youth mental health

Wisconsin health officials are warning parents and educators that vaping is doing more than harming young people’s lungs—it may also be damaging their mental health.

The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health has released a new fact sheet highlighting the growing connection between vaping and anxiety, depression, and increased stress among teenagers.

Officials say more than one-third of Wisconsin high school students have tried vaping, and today’s vaping devices contain much higher concentrations of nicotine or cannabis than many people realize. Because the brain continues developing well into a person’s twenties, young people are especially vulnerable to addiction.

Health experts say many teens begin vaping believing it will help relieve stress. Instead, nicotine withdrawal often creates even more anxiety and stress, leading users into a cycle where they continue vaping simply to ease the withdrawal symptoms.

The report also points out that many vaping devices are disguised as everyday items like smartphones, pens, lip gloss containers, and gaming devices, making them easier for students to hide.

State officials are encouraging parents to have open conversations with their children, schools to focus on prevention and support rather than punishment, and lawmakers to consider stronger restrictions on flavored vaping products. They also emphasize healthy coping strategies—such as exercise, music, spending time outdoors, or talking with trusted adults—as better ways for young people to manage stress.