Emotional Distress Among High School Students Declines Slightly

Between 2021 and 2023, the percentage of high school students who reported experiencing persistent emotional distress declined slightly, according to their responses on a national survey conducted every two years. In the 2023 survey, 40% said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, down from 43% in the 2021 survey. In 2013 and 2015 the percentage was 30%, between 2017 and 2019 the percentage increased from 31% to 37%.

However, other indicators of student emotional distress have not improved over the decade of 2013 through 2023. These other indicators include suicidal ideation and reported suicide attempts.

10-Year Trends . . .