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Teen Mental Health Statistics & Resources

Published: August 6, 2021 Updated: July 26, 2022
Published: 08/06/2021 Updated: 07/26/2022
Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

Pharm. D.
  • Teen Mental Health Facts – OverviewOverview
  • Depression in TeensDepression
  • Anxiety in TeensAnxiety
  • Substance Use in TeensSubstance Use
  • Eating Disorders in TeensEating Disorders
  • Suicide Rates in TeensSuicide
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Resources for ParentsResources for Parents
Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

Pharm. D.

In the span of a few years, teenagers’ bodies are changing, their hormones are adjusting, and they may be facing a lot of pressure in school and in their social lives. All of these changes can lead to mental health issues. Here’s what you need to know about teens’ mental health.

Would your teenager benefit from therapy? Therapy can help teenagers develop self-esteem and feel less overwhelmed by their emotions. Teen Counseling specializes in serving teens, and parents of teenagers. The services start at $60. Complete a brief questionnaire and a therapist will be suggested based on your answers.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by Teen Counseling / BetterHelp.

Get Started

Teen Mental Health Facts – Overview

A teenager’s exposure to risk factors such as stigma, living conditions, and other trauma can adversely affect their mental health and heighten the risk for teen suicide. Overall:

  • Half of all mental health issues start at age 14 but often go untreated or undiagnosed.1
  • According to the WHO, teenagers living in fragile social situations, dealing with chronic illness, or intellectual disability are more likely to experience mental health conditions.1
  • These teenagers are more likely to suffer from social exclusion, risky behaviors, and stigma that prevents them from getting care.
  • It takes an average of ten years between the onset of symptoms and receiving treatment.2
  • About 10 to 20% of teens have a diagnosable mental health disorder.1
  • One survey found that rates of mental illness have increased between 2009 and 2019:4
    • Depression (from 26% to 37%)
    • Serious contemplation of suicide (from 14% to 19%)
    • Suicide planning (from 11% to 16%)
    • Suicide attempts (from 6% to 9%)

Depression in Teens

General feelings of sadness or melancholy are common, especially as teens go through confusing hormonal changes and deal with societal expectations. Serious depression, however, is a sign of something deeper.

Here are several important statistics about depression in teenagers:

  • Depression is the fourth leading cause of illness and disability in teens.1
  • 20 to 30% of teens have a major depressive episode before becoming adults.3
  • Approximately 1.9 million children and adolescents have been diagnosed with depression.5
  • 3 in 4 children aged 3 to 17 with depression also suffer from anxiety.5
  • According to the CDC, the rate of depression in youth is increasing.5

Anxiety in Teens

As teenagers face new challenges in school and online or are dealing with pressure from family and friends, it’s easy to understand why they may feel overwhelmed or anxious. Acute anxiety, however, can negatively impact a teenager’s wellbeing and mental health.

Here are statistics on anxiety in adolescents:

  • Approximately 4.4 million children and adolescents have been diagnosed with anxiety.5
  • 1 in 3 teenagers will suffer from an anxiety disorder.6
  • Anxiety disorders went up 20% between 2007 and 2012.6
  • In a 2016 study done by Higher Education Research, 41% of students said they felt overwhelmed by school expectations, a rate that has increased since 2000.6

Substance Use in Teens

Despite being underaged, studies show that those under 21, including teenagers, make up one-tenth of all alcohol consumption in the United States.7 The CDC also states that the younger teens are when they start abusing substances, the more likely they are to develop substance abuse disorders later in life.7

Here are some statistics on substance use in teenagers:

  • In 2016, the prevalence of teens engaged in heavy episodic drinking was 13.6%.1
  • The most commonly used substances are alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco.7
  • Two-thirds of teenagers have tried alcohol by 12th grade.7
  • 4 in 10 high school students reported using cigarettes.7

Eating Disorders in Teens

In light of social media comparisons and peer pressure to maintain a certain body type, many teens turn to eating disorders in an attempt to control their body size and looks.

Here are some important statistics regarding eating disorders in adolescents:

  • Cases of eating disorders in female adolescents are twice as high as those of males (3.8% to 1.5%).8
  • According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), from 2001 to 2004, the largest group of adolescents with eating disorders were aged 17 to 18.8
    • 2.4% of adolescents aged 13 to 14 were diagnosed with an eating disorder
    • 2.8% of adolescents aged 15 to 16 were diagnosed

Suicide Rates in Teens

Risk factors for teens considering suicide are complex and complicated, often a result of social stigma, conditions at home, and a variety of other factors.

Here’s what you need to know about suicide rates in adolescents:

  • Suicide is the 3rd highest cause of death in adolescents.1
  • Nearly 62,000 teenagers died in 2016 due to self-harm.1
  • 90% of teen suicides are from teenagers living in low or middle-income countries.1
  • In 2006, males aged 16 to 18 made up the highest percentage of suicide rates.3

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp Online Therapy – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Talkspace Online Therapy – Online therapy is convenient with Talkspace. Get therapy for as little as $69 per week, or potentially much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is committed to your wellbeing. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Online Psychiatry & Medication – Answer a few questions and Talkspace will match you with an online prescriber and get schedule a video psychiatry session. Your online psychiatry prescriber will personalize your treatment, which may include psychiatric medication and follow-ups. Get started for $249 or see if your insurance is one of many Talkspace accepts. Learn More

Mindfulness & Meditation App – Headspace is an easy way to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine. See for yourself how a few minutes each day can impact your stress levels, mood, and sleep. A monthly subscription for Headspace is only $12.99 per month and comes with a 7-day free trial. Try Headspace

Teen Counseling – Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression? Having trouble maintaining friendships? Get matched with a licensed therapist on Teen Counseling. Completing Teen Counseling’s brief questionnaire and begin online therapy for as little as $60 per week. Get Started

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • Teen and Young Adult Mental Health – National Alliance on Mental Illness
  • Mental Health Resources For Adolescents and Young Adults

Resources for Parents

  • Anxiety: Pre-teens and teenagers
  • Adolescent Depression: What Parents Can Do To Help
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  • Getting involved during Mental Health Awareness Month
8 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Adolescent mental health. (2020, September 28). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

  • Children MH Facts. (n.d.). [PDF]. Children Mental Health Facts – NAMI. https://www.nami.org/nami/media/nami-media/infographics/children-mh-facts-nami.pdf

  • Schwarz, S. W. (2009, June). Adolescent Mental Health in the United States: Facts for Policymakers. National Center for Children in Poverty. https://www.nccp.org/publication/adolescent-mental-health-in-the-united-states-facts-for-policymakers/

  • Rodriguez, T., MA. (2021, April 30). Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescent Mental Health. Psychiatry Advisor. https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/child-adolescent-psychiatry/adolescent-mental-health-issues-are-further-exacerbated-by-the-covid-19-pandemic/

  • Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health | CDC. (2020, June 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html

  • McCarthy, C. (n.d.). Anxiety in Teens is Rising: What’s Going On? HealthyChildren.Org. Retrieved July 31, 2021, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Anxiety-Disorders.aspx

  • Teen Substance Use & Risks. (2020, February 10). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/features/teen-substance-use.html

  • Eating Disorders. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved July 6, 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/eating-disorders

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Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

Pharm. D.
  • Teen Mental Health Facts – OverviewOverview
  • Depression in TeensDepression
  • Anxiety in TeensAnxiety
  • Substance Use in TeensSubstance Use
  • Eating Disorders in TeensEating Disorders
  • Suicide Rates in TeensSuicide
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Resources for ParentsResources for Parents
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