Despite some gains, teens — especially girls — are still struggling with their mental health since the pandemic, report shows

Compared with a decade ago, teens, and especially girls, are more likely to say they feel persistently sad and hopeless and to think about or attempt suicide, according to a new report. Still, recent data suggest things might be improving slightly since the pandemic.

• The Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted by the CDC for over 30 years to track the well-being of high school students, found a slight but meaningful shift: between 2021 and 2023, there was a two-point drop in the percentage of teens reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness. Though that number decreased from 42% to 40%, it still reflects a much darker emotional landscape than a decade ago, when that rate was 10 points lower.

• Other mental health indicators reveal a troubling picture. In 2023, 20% of teens said they seriously considered suicide, compared to 17% in 2013. Suicide attempts, while slightly down from a peak of 10% in 2021, remain higher than they were a decade ago at 9%, versus 8% in 2013. These figures were drawn from over 20,000 high school students nationwide, making it one of the most comprehensive looks at adolescent mental health in the U.S.

• Dr. Jill Emanuele from the Child Mind Institute, though not involved in the survey, emphasized what the numbers make clear: young people are in pain, and the nation is facing a youth mental health crisis. The overall statistics are stark—but when broken down by sex, the disparities are even more striking.

• In 2023, more than half of girls—53%—reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, compared to just 28% of boys. Ten years ago, those numbers were 39% and 21%, respectively, showing that while both groups have seen increases, girls have borne the brunt. Dr. Emanuele suggested that part of the discrepancy may lie in how girls and boys express emotions; girls tend to be more vocal and self-aware, while boys may still struggle to open up, although that’s slowly changing.

• Despite the grim outlook, some experts see glimmers of progress. Dr. Kathleen Ethier, director of the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health, acknowledged that we’re “not out of the woods,” but she pointed to promising signs between 2021 and 2023. Certain demographic groups—especially multiracial, Asian, and Hispanic students—reported notable improvements in their emotional well-being.

• One particularly hopeful development was the decrease in suicide attempts among Black students. In 2021, the numbers had reached disturbing highs, closely tied to increasing suicide-related deaths among youth of color. The recent decline offers a potential turning point, though Ethier emphasized that more time and data are needed to determine whether it reflects a lasting trend.

• Still, progress hasn’t been felt equally. LGBTQ+ teens continue to experience disproportionately high rates of poor mental health, suicidal ideation, and violence. About half of LGBTQ+ students said they felt emotionally unwell in the previous month—an alarming figure that underscores ongoing disparities. Ethier called these statistics “a huge concern,” and Emanuele echoed that sentiment, saying it was disheartening, if not surprising.

• For LGBTQ+ youth, navigating a world that often fails to accept them can be a daily emotional battle. The social rejection and marginalization they face put immense pressure on their mental well-being. These young people aren’t just struggling internally—they’re doing so in an environment that often doesn’t provide the affirmation or safety they need.

• Emanuele also highlighted another key challenge: the lack of accessible mental health care for kids and teens. The shortage of providers makes it even harder to meet the rising demand for support. Still, there are ways parents can help bridge the gap.

• Encouraging open communication is a powerful first step. Instead of relying on platforms like TikTok for mental health information, Emanuele urges parents to use trustworthy resources and talk directly with their teens. Creating a safe space for conversation—by asking simple but sincere questions like “How are you feeling?”—can open vital channels of understanding and support.