Becker's Behavioral Health reported: The CDC released new data Sept. 21 showing improvements in several mental health, suicide risk and dietary indicators among U.S.…

The CDC released new data Sept. 21 showing improvements in several mental health, suicide risk and dietary indicators among U.S. high school students from 2023 to 2025. 

The findings are included in the CDC’s Youth Health in Focus report, which examines mental health and suicide risk alongside dietary behaviors, physical activity, sleep and digital behaviors. The report presents national Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2023 to 2025 and 10-year trends from 2015 to 2025. 

Here are five things to know:

1. Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness improved from 40% to 33%, poor mental health improved from 29% to 23% and seriously considering suicide improved from 20% to 14%. 

2. Daily fruit consumption rose from 33% to 39%, while daily vegetable consumption rose from 58% to 63%. The share of students drinking plain water at least three times a day rose from 54% to 58%. 

3. The share of students who played on a sports team rose from 52% to 58%. Daily physical activity, muscle-strengthening activity and meeting recommended activity guidelines remained unchanged. 

4. In 2025, 24% of students got at least eight hours of sleep on an average school night, similar to 23% in 2023. CDC said insufficient sleep is linked to poor mental health, difficulty concentrating and risky behaviors. 

5. About 36% of students reported using social media every hour or more in 2025, similar to 37% in 2023. Among students who drove in the past month, 46% texted or emailed while driving in 2025, compared with 42% in 2023. 

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