The We Hear YOUth report is the result of a survey conducted by Mending Matters that gathers insights from middle and high school students throughout San Diego County. The data presented in this report represents more than 40,000 voluntary student responses from 2021-2025.
Recognizing the unique glimpse into the thoughts and hopes of youth in our community that this information provides, San Diego Foundation and Mending Matters have partnered to develop and share this digital report. This report centers on the youth voice and is informed by student leaders to help communities, schools, and providers better understand and respond to their mental health needs.
Youth in our region are strong, capable, and courageous.
Mending Matters We Hear YOUth Survey.1
We want to promote the importance of mental health. We believe that the experiences of every student are valid and important. We want you to know that we are here and that you do not have to go through anything alone. We want to provide you with resources so that you can feel welcome, supported and seen at school. Help is all around you.
Mental Health Impacts on Youth
Youth are faced with many challenges and stressors that impact their mental health, some of which are invisible or unknown to adults.
I used to be scared of being honest to a person because of how they might react, but I learned that in order to keep me safe mentally and emotionally, I would have to put my feelings first.
8 out of 10
students said they have pretended to be okay when they were not okay.
57% of students said that stress and anxiety is the number one area where they need the most support. The top stressors that students report facing include school, the future, responsibilities, and internal changes such as shifts in mood or health.
The top areas that youth stated they need the most support are:
Students in our region are not alone. Nationally, the most common, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition is anxiety.2
Connections that Matter
Youth want to feel seen, heard, and valued. Having relationships and connections to others is protective, builds resilience, and leads to change.
“You can talk about anything and the [therapy] group is always supportive and uplifting. When I have bad days the girls from the group always make sure that I’m ok and they check on me. It’s like we made a family.”
1 out of 3
students do not feel very connected to things, activities, or people that bring them comfort or joy.
Some of the top ways that help students feel connected to school are having friends, feeling respected by others, and not feeling judged. Additionally, over 50% of students shared that having opportunities to join school programs would help them strengthen their connection to school.
4 out of 10
students wish their parents/guardians would check in on how they are doing more often
How to Support Youth Mental Health
Having access to support is critical for youth mental health and can look different for every individual.
9 out of 10
students said that individual therapy and walk-in support would be the most helpful mental health services at school.
When asked about what prevents young people from getting mental health support when they need it, almost half of all students stated they don’t know how to ask for support or were feeling too tired or stressed to reach out.
The top three ways that students identified as being helpful to young people getting mental health support when they need it are:
1. Connecting with a trusted person, peer, or adult.
2. Talking to someone that makes them feel comfortable.
3. Having parents or guardians who support them.
“[After talking with my therapist] I felt like I was heard and someone understood my struggles and my emotions. I could talk openly about my passions and depression and I was met with empathy and understanding.”
Call to Action!
Over the past 5 years, regional investment in the Children and Youth Behavioral System of Care has decreased by 25%.3
Community Members
Every young person deserves to feel heard, supported, and valued. Whether you are a parent, neighbor, or mentor, you play a vital role in creating a safe and nurturing environment for youth.
Learn about the challenges they face and speak up for changes that support their mental health and well-being. Share this report, attend school and community meetings, and advocate for programs that prioritize youth voices and needs.
Collective change begins with each of us.
School Leaders, Policy Makers, & Service Providers
Engage youth in meaningful ways to better understand their challenges and needs for support. Center their lived experiences in shaping services and policies that affect them. Normalize the diversity of student experiences and strive to be responsive to their needs. Remove barriers and expand access to support.
Philanthropy
Greater investment is needed for more accessible, youth-driven mental health services and programs. Partnerships between schools and nonprofit organizations are critical to supporting student wellness.
Since 2017, San Diego Foundation has invested $7.6 million in mental and behavioral health support and services throughout the San Diego region.
To learn more about this report and how you can get involved, contact: communityimpact@sdfoundation.org
Sources
1. Mending Matters We Hear YOUth Survey