State of Youth Mental Health in the US

Poor mental health can result in negative outcomes for the health and development of young persons, which can last into their adult years. For example, children and adolescents who feel hopeless about their future are more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as unintended pregnancy, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021. The Youth Risk Bevahavior Survey (YRBS) monitors priority health risks and experiences among high school students across the US including sexual risk behaviors, mental health, tobacco use, and more. Findings from the section on mental health show that teenagers' mental health is declining. Below, find key takeaways from the YRBS section on mental health that are of interest to primary care.