Sadness & Depression

Feelings of sadness and depression can affect many aspects of a young person's life, including their health, school success, and relationships. By fostering supportive relationships, promoting social-emotional learning, and creating environments where it is safe to seek help, communities can support youth mental wellness.

Sadness & Depression

How common is it for students to feel sustained sadness?

Click on the map below to explore data about our young people by grade, gender, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity. Results are organized by county, although participating school districts do not always align with county boundaries. 

    Strategies

    Takeaways

    Both gender expansive and cis female students were more likely to report being depressed or sad most days than cis male students. 


    • More than 6 in 10 gender expansive students reported being depressed or sad most days in the last year. 


    • More than 4 in 10 cis female students also reported these experiences. 


    LGBQ+ students reported higher rates of being depressed or sad most days than straight students, ranging from 48% to 64% across counties. 

    Understanding the Data

    Not all students took the survey, so the results may not reflect everyone’s experiences. Also, when results are for a small number of students, even one or two different answers can noticeably change the results. This data should be considered alongside other information to better understand what students are experiencing. 


    • Differences across student groups or regions may be shaped by many factors, including school and community conditions, racism, classism, ableism, heterosexism, and gender-based discrimination. When interpreting the data, we encourage users to consider the broader systems and environments that shape health and well-being.


    • We do not recommend comparing responses between counties because survey questions, methods, and timing may differ across the region. 


    Learn more about Understanding the Data. 

    Trends & Comparisons

    Trends & Comparisons 

    Rates of sustained sadness and hopelessness have recently declined: 


    • In Hampshire County, rates peaked in 2019 for 8th graders (44%) and in 2021 for 10th and 12th graders (51% and 49%) and have since decreased. 



    • Although the state uses a meaningfully different question, their data also shows a decrease in sadness and reflects a higher burden among girls and LGBQ+ students. 

    Our Definitions

    Select a term to learn more

    See our Methods and Data Dictionary to learn how we grouped students into categories based on their responses to demographic questions.

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    Free and reduced cost services

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    Strategies & Research to Promote Youth Wellbeing

    Strategies

    Strategies

    Explore evidence-based practices, promising approaches, public awareness campaigns, tools, policy strategies, and examples of local action that support youth well-being and help prevent negative health outcomes.

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      Research

      Research

      Explore surveys, reports, briefs, research studies, and other data resources that help communities understand youth experiences, identify needs, monitor trends, and inform action.

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        Why It Matters

        Why It Matters

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