Maine CDC and DOE Release 2025 Student Health Survey Results

Data show encouraging progress in mental health and reduced substance use among Maine students

AUGUSTA-- The Maine Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and the Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) announced today the release of the 2025 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) data, showing positive trends in mental health and reduced substance use among Maine students.

Data collected last spring indicate dramatic improvements in the well-being of Maine high school students. The 2025 MIYHS data show a significant decrease in the number of students who reported feeling so sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row that they stopped their usual activities -- at 28 percent in 2025, compared to 35 percent in 2023. Additionally, data show suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among middle and high school youth have significantly decreased. These developments reflect ongoing investments by DHHS and Maine DOE in outreach and support services for youth mental health.

"The Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey is a critical tool for understanding the full picture of our youth's well-being, including their mental health, the environments they live and learn in, and the challenges they face," said Dr. Puthiery Va, Director of the Maine CDC. "It shows where we're making progress and where care and support are still needed. The encouraging trends are a step forward, and we remain committed to helping all Maine youth feel supported, healthy, and hopeful."

"We know that the mental and physical health of students lays a foundation for their ability to fully engage and succeed in school," said Julie Smyth, Director of the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports. "This trend of improvement in youth mental health and reduced substance use is encouraging and serves as an indication that the essential work to support student well-being must continue."

According to a separate 2024 survey of principals and lead health teachers administered by the Maine DOE,97 percent of schools now provide mental health programing and/or services for students, up from 88 percent in 2022. The Maine CDC supports statewide programs that help young people feel valued in their communities and connected to caring adults. Statewide campaigns such as Filter Out the Noise encourage students to build healthy coping skills and reach out for help when they need it.

The 2025 MIYHS data also show continued decreases in substance use among students. The percentage of Maine high school students who reported having at least one drink of alcohol in the past 30 days significantly decreased from 20.5 percent in 2023 to 16.5 percent in 2025. Reports of cannabis use in the past month dropped from 18.7 percent in 2023 to 14.6 percent in 2025. Reporting of current use of electronic vapor products continues to decrease from 15.6percent in 2023 to 13.0 percent in 2025. For youth looking to quit tobacco or vape products, the State encourages connecting with My Life, My Quit, a resource for free and confidential, step-by-support support.

Emerging trends in risky behavior among students include increased reported use of new products like dissolvable tobacco and nicotine pouches. The 2025 MIYHS data also highlight differences across Maine youth demographics. For example, compared to their male or non-LGBTQ+ peers, girls and LGBTQ+ high school students were twice as likely to report feeling sad or hopeless for two or more weeks.

Conducted biennially since 2009, the MIYHS data is a collaboration between the Maine CDC and the Maine DOE. Its purpose is to identify emerging issues and trends affecting youth by quantifying the health and related behaviors and attitudes of fifth through 12th graders using anonymous, voluntary student surveys tailored to each age group. All public middle and high schools in Maine are invited to participate in the survey, which is administered during the spring of odd-numbered years.

To learn more about MIYHS and view the full 2025 results, visit https://www.maine.gov/miyhs/.

More Resources for Youth:

• NAMI Maine Teen Text Support Line -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness' (NAMI) Maine Teen Text Support Line is a free, confidential resource for youth 13-23 years of age, available daily from 2-10 p.m. by texting 207-515-8398. The service is staffed by trained support specialists who range in age from18-24 years old. For additional tips and information, visit https://namimaine.org/teentextline/.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline -- Call or text 988 for 24/7 support for suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crises. Individuals can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
• The Trevor Project -- This 24/7 crisis counseling for LGBTQ+ youth is available by calling 866-488-7386 or texting "START" to 678-678. Learn more and access resources for parents and teachers at The Trevor Project.

Resources for Schools:

• Sources of Strength -- This student-led school culture program brings together trained adult advisors and peer leaders to create campaigns for the school community that focus on positive, uplifting, and hopeful messaging.

• Tobacco/vaping prevention support -- Contact your local Maine Prevention Network partner for information and assistance with implementing prevention programs in your school.