A study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 National Conference indicates that thoughts of suicide among U.S. high school students declined from 1991 until 2009 but then began to rise, continuing an upward trend from 2009 to 2021. The analysis also noted increases in suicide attempts and persistent sadness during this period.
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The study, led by Niyati Sharma, a junior at Horseheads High School in New York, examined data from the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey for students in grades 9 to 12 from 1991 to 2021. Statistical methods were used to identify changes in trends. According to the findings, suicidal thoughts decreased approximately 3.6% per year from 1991 to 2009; however, this trend reversed with an increase of about 3.7% per year from 2009 to 2021. Similarly, suicide attempts rose after 2009, while persistent sadness saw a modest rise from 2009 to 2017, escalating to a sharp increase of about 7.7% per year from 2017 to 2021.
Additional concerning trends were observed: insufficient sleep increased after 2013, obesity rates grew after 2011, and academic performance declined between 2001 and 2019. Sharma commented that the study identified a notable turning point in adolescent mental health around 2009-2010 across various indicators.
Encouragingly, recent federal surveys indicate improvements in teen mental health from 2023 to 2025, with the percentage of high schoolers seriously considering suicide dropping from 20% in 2023 to 14% in 2025. Concurrently, reports of persistent sadness or hopelessness fell from 40% in 2023 to 33% in 2025. Despite these improvements, the CDC noted an overall decline in mental health over the past decade, with higher rates of suicidal thoughts reported among girls (18%) compared to boys (11%) in 2025.
While the recent data reflect significant progress, the long-term decline prior to this improvement signals that many teens are still in recovery. The research presented remains preliminary, having not undergone full peer review. It reports trends rather than establishing causation. The authors mentioned timeline overlaps with societal factors such as the rise of social media, the 2008 recession, increased academic pressure, and changes in healthcare access as potential influences on mental health trends.
Parents are advised to observe for signs of emotional distress in their children, such as withdrawal, loss of interest, changes in sleep patterns, declining grades, or any expressions of feeling burdensome. The AAP advocates for routine screenings for suicide risk and depression for patients aged 12 and older during annual check-ups. Support is readily available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers confidential assistance by call, text, or chat. If someone is in immediate danger, it is crucial to call 911.
The next set of CDC survey results will determine if the gains observed from 2023 to 2025 are sustained, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance in addressing teen mental health.