State of Youth Mental Health in the US
Poor mental health can result in negative outcomes for the health and development of young persons, which can last into their adult years. For example, children and adolescents who feel hopeless about their future are more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as unintended pregnancy, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021. The Youth Risk Bevahavior Survey (YRBS) monitors priority health risks and experiences among high school students across the US including sexual risk behaviors, mental health, tobacco use, and more. Findings from the section on mental health show that teenagers' mental health is declining. Below, find key takeaways from the YRBS section on mental health that are of interest to primary care.
- The percentage of students across every racial and ethnic group who felt persistently sad or hopeless increased.
- The percentage of girls who seriously considered attempting suicide, made a suicide plan, and attempted suicide increased.
- While the percentage of Black and White students who attempted suicide increased, the percentage of Asian students who attempted suicide decreased, and the percentage of Hispanic and multiracial students who attempted suicide did not change.
- Experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (28% to 42%)
- Seriously considered attempting suicide (16% to 22%)
- Made a suicide plan (13% to 18%)
- Attempted suicide (8% to 10%)
