Statistics

Youth data

High School Students (Grades 9–12)

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and national youth surveys highlight a heavy burden of suicidal distress during the high school years.

39.7%

Persistent Sadness

About 39.7% of high school students report experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

20.4%

Suicidal Ideation

Roughly 20.4% (1 in 5) have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

9.5%

Suicide Attempts

An estimated 9.5% of high schoolers have attempted suicide at least once within a 12-month period.

Significant Gender Disparity

High school girls are significantly more likely to report serious suicidal thoughts (27.1%) and attempts (12.6%) compared to high school boys (14.1% thoughts, 6.4% attempts).

Transition years

Young Adults (Ages 18–25)

As youth transition into college or the workforce, the overall percentage of reported thoughts and attempts drops compared to the high school years, but the severity remains high.

11%-12%

Serious Suicidal Ideation

Experienced serious thoughts of suicide in the past year.

~2.0%

Suicide Attempts

Roughly 1 out of 50 young adults have attempted suicide in the past year.

+17%

Rising Historical Trends

The national young adult suicide rate rose roughly 17% over the preceding decade, heavily driven by factors like loneliness, financial pressure, and academic anxiety.

Compare the data

Comparison Overview

A direct side-by-side analysis highlighting key metrics and distinct behavioral stress triggers across both key developmental age windows.

Metric (Past Year) High School Students (Ages 14–18) Young Adults (Ages 18–25)
Serious Thoughts of Suicide ~20.4% ~11% – 12.6%
Suicide Attempts ~9.5% ~2.0%
Primary Drivers / Risk Factors School bullying, identity development, social media pressure, family conflict Severe loneliness, academic/college stress, financial anxiety, substance use

Know the signs

Warning Signs to Watch For

Recognizing change early can disrupt a crisis. Pay close attention to these vital distress symptoms.

  1. Expressing deep sadness, hopelessness, or despair.
  2. Withdrawing from family, friends, and regular activities.
  3. Sudden and drastic changes in sleep, eating habits, or school performance.
  4. Talking about death or making direct/indirect threats of suicide.
  5. Giving away personal items or showing a sudden, unexplained calmness after a long period of distress.

Take action

How to Help and Get Support

01. Ask Directly

Asking a young person directly about suicide is safe and does not put the idea in their head. It creates a space for honest, vulnerable communication.

02. Secure Lethal Means

Lock up all firearms, medications (including over-the-counter drugs), and potential hazards. Reducing access to means saves lives.

03. Immediate Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. It is free and confidential.

Additional data

Mental Health Statistics at a Glance

Key national findings compiled by The Jed Foundation highlight the massive scope of the current youth mental wellness battle.

11.6M

Experienced a mental, behavioral, or emotional health issue in the past year (Ages 18-25).

15.4%

Teens ages 12-17 had a major depressive episode in the past year.

40%

High school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

38%

College students ages 18+ have been diagnosed with anxiety, and 32% with depression.

37%

Reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, with 18% reporting severe depression.

33%

Of students self-reported anxiety.

66%

LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 reported recent anxiety, and 53% reported depression.

19.7%

Adolescents ages 12-17 reported anxiety, and 17.8% reported depression (2021-2023).

"Many young people carry thoughts like these. You are not alone, and reaching out—one text, one call, one conversation—can open the door to real help and real hope."

Sources & References

  1. CDC. (2024). Facts about Suicide. Retrieved March 25, 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
  2. Forsberg K, Sheats KJ, Blair JM, et al. (2025). Surveillance for Violent Deaths — National Violent Death Reporting System, 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 2022. MMWR Surveill Summ 74(No. SS-5):1–42. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7405a1.
  3. CDC. (2025). Health disparities in suicide. Retrieved March 27, 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/disparities/index.html
  4. SAMHSA. (2025). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56287/2024-nsduh-annual-national-report.pdf