CDC: Teen Mental Health Is Improving — But Colorado Springs Parents Should Still Pay Attention

There is genuine good news in the latest data on teen mental health — and genuine reason to stay engaged. The CDC released its 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey on September 21, and the headline numbers represent the most meaningful improvement in years.

Among high school students nationally, 33% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2025. That's down from 40% in 2023 and from a peak of 42% in 2021. The percentage who seriously considered suicide also dropped — from 20% in 2023 to 14% in 2025. These are real improvements that represent hundreds of thousands of young people moving in a better direction.

The Screen Time Connection

The same survey tracked digital behavior. Thirty-six percent of students reported using social media every hour or more — statistically similar to the 37% reported in 2023. If the mental health metrics are improving while social media use stays roughly constant, that challenges simple narratives about social media as the singular driver of teen distress — though the research on that relationship remains complex and ongoing.

What This Means for Colorado Springs Families

For parents with middle or high schoolers, the CDC data offers context rather than prescription. The numbers tell you that the overall trend is moving in the right direction — which is worth acknowledging with your teen. But the data also tells you that struggles remain real and widespread, particularly for specific groups.

The most practical use of this information is as a conversation starter. "I read some data about how teens are doing nationally — how are you doing?" is a low-stakes opening that many teenagers respond to better than direct questions about feelings.

What's Next

Colorado Springs has resources for families navigating teen mental health. The Pikes Peak Mental Health Center (ppmentalhealth.org) serves El Paso County residents with crisis and outpatient services. Colorado Crisis Services (coloradocrisisservices.org, 844-493-8255) provides 24/7 support. For the full CDC YRBS 2025 report and data, visit cdc.gov/yrbs.