Two sobering mental health data sets are worth reviewing as 2025 begins. Although these illustrate a widespread national problem, they also suggest a practical way to address it that could have a widespread effect among those who are considering suicide, especially young Americans.
Let’s address the bad news first. According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, ages 10-34. Twenty-two percent of high school students reported having seriously considered suicide in the past year. This percentage is highest among females (30 percent), American Indians/Alaska Natives (27 percent), and lesbian, gay or bisexual teens (45 percent).
Suicide is the most serious manifestation of a broader crisis. A recent separate study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services found that 19.5 percent of teens 12 to 17 had a major depressive episode in the past year.
One innovative way to help provide resources for teens (and others) who would like to reach out before their thoughts take a tragic turn has been the establishment of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is a dedicated 24/7 phone number established by the Federal Communications Commission in 2022. Like the more established 911 emergency number that is widely known and used, this three-digit 988 code allows direct, real-time access to trained professionals who can address the individual needs of those who are contemplating suicide or are otherwise in crisis mode.
That brings us to the second wave of bad news. According to Annenberg Public Policy Center survey data, public recall of the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 number has grown slowly, with only 15 percent of U.S. adults familiar with it as of September 2024 (and perhaps an even smaller percentage of teens).
Some focused proactive work clearly needs to be undertaken. Although public service advertising has worked in other contexts (we all have learned since childhood that Smokey Bear warns only we can prevent forest fires), it has not yet been targeted in a way to measure whether it is reaching our most vulnerable populations. This way of getting the word out can help, but it may be limited because many to be reached are not tuned into traditional advertising media.
According to the Pew Research Center, 95 percent of teens have access to a smartphone, making it seamless for them to call, text or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This means there may be a more effective way to expand 988 awareness.
Each parent who buys a teen a smartphone or pays for a usage plan should perform the small task of having the number programmed in speed dial, along with 911 and other emergency and family contacts, accompanied by a conversation to let teens know that it always is available to them if needed — confidentially and judgment-free.
Parent Teacher Associations nationwide can help support this plan, enabling massive awareness results in a short period. If smartphone manufacturers and service providers want to jump on this bandwagon, they could ensure that 988 is pre-loaded in every smartphone that is sold for teen use, accompanied by a pop-up window advising them about its availability.
The gap between 911 and 988 familiarities can be closed substantially with these types of responsible adult and private-sector interventions. When the next new year comes around, let’s ensure that this critical resolution has been made and kept.