CDC: Teen Mental Health Shows Early Signs Of Improvement, 2025 Survey Finds

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds early signs of improvement in mental health among U.S. high school students, while also highlighting persistent long-term challenges.

Youth Health in Focus: What the Survey Shows

The study, titled "Youth Health in Focus," is based on a nationally representative survey of U.S. high school students conducted every other year. Students answered questions about mental health, physical activity, diet, digital habits and sleep.

In 2025, one in three high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. That represents a seven-percentage-point decline from 2023 and roughly a 10% decrease compared with 2021.

Compared with the 2023 survey, the CDC also observed declines in the overall prevalence of poor mental health and in the shares of students who considered attempting suicide, made a suicide plan, or attempted suicide.

Despite these recent improvements, longer-term data show a more mixed picture: over the decade from 2015 to 2025, a larger proportion of students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness, indicating that progress is uneven and that sustained efforts are still needed.

"These findings make it clear that progress is possible," the CDC wrote. "However, sustained, evidence-based strategies are needed to build on these gains, address areas of concern, and ensure that more adolescents have the support they need to be healthy, safe, and ready to learn."

The report also found gender differences: female students were more likely than male students to report poor mental health and to consider, plan for, or attempt suicide.

What this means: The recent declines in key measures are encouraging, but the CDC emphasizes continued investment in prevention, school- and community-based mental health supports, and evidence-based interventions to maintain gains and address persistent, long-term increases in distress among adolescents.