A new survey paints a difficult but optimistic picture of California’s youth.

About 94% of young people in the state said they experience regular mental health challenges — up from 87% in 2023 , with one-third reporting their mental health as “fair” or “poor,” according to a new report by Blue Shield of California and Children Now.

The survey polled 750 young people age 14 to 25 between April and June of this year across California. Other key findings include:

About 98% who reported poor mental health are youth of color

25% of those reporting poor mental health are LGBTQ+

Top stressors include gun violence, housing affordability, discrimination and climate change

More than a third say they felt too embarrassed to seek professional help

Top stressors

Young people pointed to soci

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