The national poll, “In Their Own Words: Young Voices on Mental Health and the Future,” co-published by Hopelab and Data for Progress, provides a comprehensive look at the well-being of 1,304 young people aged 13–24. Contrary to popular narratives of widespread crisis, the survey reveals that a majority of respondents (61%) report being at least somewhat happy, with over half (55%) rating their mental health as good, very good, or excellent. The findings highlight both the sources of resilience and the significant stressors affecting young Americans, particularly pointing to key disparities based on identity and economic status that determine vulnerability.
Overall Mental Health and Disparities
The poll reveals a nuanced picture of youth well-being, where overall positive sentiment masks significant challenges facing specific groups.
- Top-line finding: A majority of young people report being at least somewhat happy (61%) and say their mental health is good, very good, or excellent (55%).
- Disparities: Mental health outcomes vary strongly with income and identity.
- LGBTQ+ Young People report poor mental health at nearly triple the rate of their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
- Young people who struggle to meet basic expenses report poor mental health at more than triple the rate of those who live comfortably.
Positive Drivers of Well-being
When asked what most effectively supports their mental health, young people identified several key activities that contribute to feeling grounded and restored.
- Time to myself (solo downtime)
- Spending time with friends in person (face-to-face)
- Getting enough sleep
- Engaging with media they enjoy (e.g., social media, watching a show, gaming, reading for pleasure)
- Receiving positive feedback at school or work
- Accomplishing something that took time and effort
Negative Drivers and Daily Disruption
Stressors both personal and systemic are having a tangible impact, with several factors reported as significantly affecting mental health and disrupting daily life.
- Family issues: Nearly 1 in 4 young people (24%) say family problems affect them “a lot” right now.
- Loneliness: 24% say loneliness affects them “a lot”.
- Schoolwork: 22% say schoolwork affects them “a lot”.
- Daily Disruption: More than one-third of young people say family issues (37%), having no clear path (35%), and loneliness (35%) disrupt their daily life.
- Worry about debt and having no clear path for the future are also major stressors.
Future Outlook and Worries
Although young people maintain a degree of personal optimism, their view of the future is complex, revealing major anxieties about global and domestic stability.
- Optimism: A majority (57%) are optimistic about their own future.
- Pessimism: A plurality are pessimistic about the future of the country (44%) and the future of the planet (43%).
- Top Worries: The issues young people believe will most negatively impact their mental health are:
- Losing the people they love most (58% are very or extremely worried)
- Struggling to pay for essentials like groceries, housing, or health care
- Multiple major problems (e.g., climate change, political conflict, pandemics) happening at once
- Threats to free speech or democracy
Sources of Hope and Need for Support
Despite these worries, young respondents are nearly unanimous in identifying sources of hope, but they also signal a clear need for greater structural support.
- Hope: Almost all young people can identify a source of hope or optimism, most commonly including knowing they are loved, belief in their own inner strength and resilience, and having clear personal goals.
- Support Gaps: Young people report needing more support in school and work settings. Less than half of students feel they have enough emotional support from adults at school or enough school-based mental health resources.
- Message to Older Generations: The theme that stood out most was the need for respect and listening, especially regarding the unique societal, economic, and technological pressures young people face today.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the report paints a picture of a generation marked by both personal resilience and significant external anxieties. While young people overwhelmingly draw hope from their own inner strength and close personal relationships, they are simultaneously concerned about major societal issues, economic stability, and the future of the planet. Their clear message to older generations emphasizes a need for genuine listening and respect for the unique challenges they face. The data underscores a critical gap in institutional support, particularly within school and work environments, suggesting that providing accessible resources and empathetic mentorship is essential for fostering widespread well-being and helping young people translate their personal optimism into confidence in the collective future.
