Teen Mental Health: Improving, but Still Experts Are Still Concerned...
A recent Education Week article highlights encouraging improvements in high school students’ mental health and suicide-related outcomes, based on the CDC’s 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. From 2023 to 2025, the percentage of students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness decreased from 40% to 33%, while reports of poor mental health decreased from 29% to 23%. Suicide-related indicators also declined, including serious consideration of suicide, suicide planning, and attempts.
However, experts caution that these improvements do not mean the youth mental health crisis has been resolved. Mental health challenges remain higher among girls and LGBTQ+ students, and overall rates remain concerning compared with pre-pandemic levels. The article also emphasizes that schools continue to face significant staffing and funding challenges.
A central argument is that sustained investment in school-based mental health services may be contributing to improvements in student well-being. Experts interviewed in the article express concern that reductions or cancellations of federal mental health grants could limit schools’ ability to maintain these supports and potentially affect future progress.
Key takeaway for schools: The data provide reason for optimism, but continued investment in accessible, school-based mental health services, prevention, and early intervention remains important to sustain progress and address ongoing disparities.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or check out these resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Read more here!
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/teen-mental-health-is-improving-cdc-finds-then-why-are-experts-still-concerned/2026/09
Resource of the Month: Suicide Hotline (988) - NYC HEALTH
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH
988 is your connection to free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance use support, information and referrals.
https://988lifeline.org/
You can reach the toll-free help line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text and online chat.
Behavioral health professionals there can link you to the services you need.
988 counselors are available 24/7. They can provide support in over 200 languages over the phone.
Text and chat support is available in English and Spanish.
Health insurance is not required. Depending on your phone/text service, you may be charged a fee.
When to Contact 988
One in five New Yorkers suffer from a mental health problem or substance use disorder, and too many go untreated. Mental illness and substance use disorders are both treatable, but only if those in need can connect to care. 988 is an easy starting point for New Yorkers to find mental health and substance use support.
988 could help you or someone you know if you are:
☀ Worried about the negative impacts drugs or alcohol are having on you.
☀ Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and struggling with daily activities.
☀ Looking for mental health or substance use providers in your area.
☀ Having thoughts about hurting or killing yourself.
☀ Concerned about changes in the behavior of someone you care about.
Services:
988's counselors and peer specialists are trained to listen to you and provide the following services:
☀ Short-term counseling - This counseling provides support, coping strategies, and techniques for maintaining healthy living while you wait to receive longer-term care. Short-term counseling can vary in frequency and length depending on the need.
☀ Suicide prevention and other crisis intervention - 988 may conduct risk assessments to determine the appropriate crisis intervention service, including: Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Mobile Crisis Teams (MCT); & Outpatient detox
☀ Peer support - Peer Support Specialists have been trained to use their own experiences with mental illness and behavioral health care to support others through difficult or crisis situations. Peer Support Specialists provide appropriate, compassionate and effective support, crisis diversion and information and referral. This service is intended for callers who specifically request peer support or otherwise may benefit from the service.
☀ Information and referral - 988 will provide information and referrals for a variety of mental health and substance use services. Referrals are determined based on the specific needs of the individual — including the most convenient location, language needs and insurance requirements.
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