Trends in Mental Health and Suicide Risk Among High School Students

Recent data highlights changes in mental health and suicide risk indicators for high school students over two and ten years. From 2023 to 2025, there were positive developments in the following areas: persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, general mental health, considering suicide, making a suicide plan, and actual suicide attempts. However, over the past decade, the prevalence of persistent feelings of sadness worsened, while other indicators showed no change.

In 2025, 33% of high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the previous year. Notably, female students were more likely than male students to report all six mental health indicators, including serious suicidal thoughts and making suicide plans. For instance, 43% of female students experienced persistent sadness compared to 24% of males.

Additionally, 9th graders were found to be more likely than 12th graders to make suicide plans and attempt suicide. The data from 2025 showed that 13% of 9th graders made a suicide plan, compared to 11% of 12th graders. The rates of attempts were 7% for 9th graders and only 5% for 12th graders.

Key findings from the report indicate that approximately one in three high school students faced significant sadness in 2025, and interventions are being recommended for parents and schools. Parents are encouraged to maintain their mental health while engaging in supportive dialogue with their adolescents. They can foster connection through shared activities and provide appropriate supervision to encourage healthy decision-making.

Schools are urged to enhance student mental health through preventive and early intervention strategies. Recommendations include creating supportive environments and implementing programs to improve mental health literacy, peer connections, coping skills, and staff training to identify and refer students at risk of suicide.

In the 2024-2025 school year, the Fort Worth Independent School District expanded its partnership with Texas Community Hope. This collaboration led to the establishment of five School-Based Behavioral Health Centers that offer care to students. This initiative has facilitated over 4,000 referrals for mental health services and direct therapy for more than 1,700 students. A Youth Summit focusing on mental health literacy and well-being also benefited around 800 students.

This summary reflects ongoing efforts to address mental health and suicide risks among adolescents, underlining the importance of support from families, schools, and community resources.