U.S. students reporting poor mental health 2021, by sex

Published by Statista Research Department, Mar 3, 2025
According to a 2021 survey, around 29.3 percent of high school students reported poor mental health in the month prior to the survey. This was substantially higher among female high school students, at 40.8 percent. The source defines poor mental health as including stress, anxiety and depression.

Share of high school students reporting poor mental health in the United States in 2021, by sex

CharacteristicShare of students
Average 29.3%
Female 40.8%
Male 18.1%
Showing entries 1 to 3 (3 entries in total)
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Share of students29.3%29.3%40.8%40.8%18.1%18.1%AverageFemaleMale
0%2.5%5%7.5%10%12.5%15%17.5%20%22.5%25%27.5%30%32.5%35%37.5%40%42.5%45%

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Source

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Release date

April 2023

Region

United States

Survey time period

2021

Number of respondents

17,232 respondents

Special properties

Past 30 days

Method of interview

Questionnaire

Supplementary notes

The 2021 YRBS sampling frame consisted of all regular public schools (including charter schools), parochial schools, and other private schools with students in at least one of grades 9–12 in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia,

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