Mental Health Statistics
Key data supporting the need to change the conversation around mental health.
Mental health issues are widespread among young adults
The mental health crisis experienced by youth and young adults has become one of the most pressing public health issues of this time.
Today’s generation of college students and young professionals, sometimes referred to as the “anxious generation,” are actually much more likely to talk about mental health than their parents or grandparents. This generation is closer than ever to ending the silence around mental illness in a time when only forty-four percent of adults—and less than twenty percent of children and adolescents—with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need
36%
of young adults reported anxiety in 2023, 29% reported depression
Mental illness is treatable, and suicide is preventable.
Active Minds began with the simple premise that if young adults speak openly about their mental health, we can save lives. Even so, many suffer in silence.
33%
of youth and young adults have a diagnosable mental illness.
67%
of young adults with mental health symptoms do not receive care
#3
leading cause of death among young adults is suicide
22%
of high school students have seriously considered attempting suicide
50%
Of mental health issues begin by age 14; 75% begin by age 24
70%
of young adults do not feel prepared to provide support to their peers
You don’t need to be an expert to help a friend.
Mobilizing the Future
To reverse negative trends in youth mental health outcomes, our societal norms around mental health must improve. Research shows that in times of need, youth and young adults prefer to talk to peers rather than a professional or adult.
67%
of young adults first tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else
280 PEOPLE
decide not to go through with a suicide attempt for every person who dies by suicide
50%
will experience a mental health condition in our lifetime
69%
of college students are still hopeful or extremely hopeful about their future
Support is closer than you think.
If you’re facing a crisis, you deserve help. View our recommendations for crisis support services. Whatever you’re feeling or experiencing is VALID and worthy of support.
