Why is Adolescent Mental Health a Public Health Issue?

36.7% of all high school students have felt sad or hopeless
18.8% of high school students seriously contemplated attempting suicide
1 in 6 U.S. children aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
About half of youth with mental health conditions did not receive treatment or counseling from a mental health specialist
96% of schools stated that they offered at least one mental health service for students in 2021-2022
- HOWEVER only one-third (34%) of schools provided universal mental health screenings and outreach for all students

Adolescent Mental Health By the Numbers

1 in 3

More than 1 in 3 students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019.

40%

More Hispanic teens experienced feelings of sadness or hopelessness than their White and Black counterparts

46.6%

Almost half of female students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019.

1 in 5

About 1 in 5 adolescents seriously considered attempting suicide in 2019

Data and Graph Source: National Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 2009-2019

Data and Graph Source: National Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 2009-2019

Data and Graph Source: National Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 2009-2019

Data and Graph Source: The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS): 2019

Data and Graph Source: National Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 2009-2019