Youth suicide has declined since pandemic, but disparities persist for some in California

California youth suicide rates declined by 8% in 2023, reflecting a national trend that saw serious suicidal thoughts among 12- to 17-year-olds drop from almost 13% in 2021 to 10% in 2024. Despite this positive trend, experts caution that about 40% of adolescents with serious suicidal thoughts also made plans or attempts, underscoring the ongoing mental health crisis. School psychologists attribute the complexity of suicide to various factors, including unhealthy social media use and bullying. A UCLA report highlights that nearly a quarter of adolescents aged 15 to 17 in California have experienced suicidal thoughts, with more than a third attempting suicide. Disturbingly, Indigenous youth face the highest suicide rates in the state, with a significant increase among American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

Recent initiatives aim to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage students to seek help before crises arise. The Trevor Project indicates that LGBTQ youth in California also experience alarming rates of suicidal ideation, with over one in three seriously considering suicide last year. Continued efforts are essential to address mental health disparities and provide adequate support for vulnerable populations.