Across Texas, young people are navigating rising rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. The landscape of youth mental health is changing rapidly, and for many, it’s getting worse. At Next Step, we believe that understanding the problem is the first step toward building hope.
Texas teens report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
2021 Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
IN AN AVERAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, THAT’S OVER 3,000 STUDENTS WHO COULD BE SILENTLY STRUGGLING.
In a typical Texas school district with 9,000 students, nearly 3,000 may be silently struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. These aren’t just numbers, they’re students walking the halls, sitting in classrooms, and trying to cope without the tools or support they need. With early intervention and mental health education, we can change that story.
Texas teens have seriously considered suicide
(Source: 2021 Texas YRBS)
That’s the size of an entire NBA arena—every single seat, filled with someone silently struggling.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Texas youth ages 10–24
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services; CDC WONDER
That’s second only to unintentional injuries like car crashes and overdoses.
This isn’t just a mental health issue, it’s a public health crisis. Each number represents a life lost too soon. But with early intervention, education, and support, we can shift the statistics and help young people find hope before reaching a breaking point.
60% of youth in the U.S with depression receive no treatment
Nationally, over 60% of youth with major depression receive no treatment. In Texas, where access to youth mental health care ranks among the worst in the nation, that number may be even higher.
Source: Mental Health America, “The State of Mental Health in America 2023”
www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america
12.3% of Texas high school students reported they had attempted suicide one or more times in the past 12 months
Source: Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 2021 – CDC & Texas Department of State Health Services
In a single classroom of 30 students, 3 to 4 may have attempted suicide.
These aren’t isolated numbers, they’re real students sitting beside us, often without anyone knowing. But there is hope. When young people are connected to caring adults, safe spaces, and early mental health support, their risk of suicide drops dramatically.
Together, we can turn this statistic into a story of resilience and hope!
