Mental health trend

CDC survey shows high school students' mental health improving since pandemic lows, with 33% reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2025.

“Those declines in depression and suicidal thoughts are very striking, particularly that they're lower than 2019.”

Girls report higher distress

In 2025, 43% of female high schoolers reported persistent sadness and hopelessness versus 24% of male students.

Suicidal thoughts drop

18% of female students seriously considered suicide attempts in 2025, down from 22% in 2021, while male students reported 11%.

Suicide attempts decline

Suicide attempts among high school students fell to 6% in 2025 from 10% in 2021, with fewer injuries requiring medical treatment.

Gender gap persists

Female students are more likely to report suicidal thoughts and attempts than male students, with 18% versus 11% considering suicide in 2025.

LGBTQ+ data missing

The CDC report excluded LGBTQ+ students due to Trump-era executive orders that only recognize two sexes.

Long-term trend

The CDC's Youth Health in Focus survey, conducted every two years since 1991, shows mental health improvements continuing beyond pandemic years.

Suicide plan rates drop

15% of female students made suicide plans in 2025, down from 18% in 2021, compared to 10% of male students.

Mental health survey

The CDC surveys students in public and private schools to track mental health, substance use, and other health issues over time.

Suicide attempt injuries

Only 1% of students required medical treatment for suicide attempt injuries in 2025, down from 3% in 2021.