this is what mental health actually looks like
Our 2025 State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color Report centers the voices of Youth and Young Adults of Color, sharing real data, lived experiences, and bold truths about mental health.
From anxiety to depression, to resiliency to hope, it’s a call to action for us to listen, evolve, and uplift the next generation. This shines a light on opportunities for youth-powered change, loud and clear.
Please check out our downloadable SOMHYOC resources below, and be sure to visit our 2025 SOMHYOC webpage.
The AAKOMA Project’s 2025 State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color Full Report
This report is a landmark national study exploring the mental health experiences of 8,651 Youth and Young Adults of Color across racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA+ identities. This comprehensive report uplifts their voices, bringing light to critical insights into their unique challenges and strengths. This is an important resource for anyone who wants to explore the urgent need for culturally responsive, identity-affirming mental health care. Download this report today and join the call for inclusive, equity-driven mental health solutions.
Introducing The AAKOMA Project’s 2025 State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color Executive Summary!
Get an exclusive first look at powerful insights from nearly 9,000 voices. This summary highlights key trends and urgent needs shaping the mental health of intersectional Youth and Young Adults of Color.
Be part of the conversation!
Power and Presence: An AAKOMA Project Brief on Mental Health in Black/African American and Young Adults
This brief highlights key findings from the 2025 State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color (SOMHYOC), centering the lived experiences of nearly 1,500 Black/African American youth and young adults across the U.S. It examines rates of anxiety, depression, suicide risk, racial trauma, and unmet mental health needs—while also uplifting powerful protective factors such as hope, resilience, and cultural strength. Rooted in equity and lived experience, the brief takes an honest look at the forces shaping mental health today and amplifies the voices of Black/African American youth and young adults.
Infographic Alert: Black/African American Youth & Young Adults
This infographic showcases key insights from our 2025 SOMHYOC brief n a clear, accessible format designed for sharing and community conversation. It highlights the mental health realities facing Black/African American youth and young adults. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, clinician, policymaker, or young person yourself, this resource is great to inform dialogue and inspire action. Download and share to help amplify voices that matter.
DIVERSE AND DYNAMIC: An AAKOMA Project Brief on Mental Health in Biracial/Multiracial Youth and Young Adults
In this rare collection of data from Biracial and Multiracial youth, we get an intimate look at their unique mental health challenges. This brief sheds light on their experience with identity invalidation and discrimination — leading to anxiety and depression. Despite these struggles, many remain hopeful about their future and showcase resilience and cultural strength. The AAKOMA Project’s groundbreaking research amplifies Biracial and Multiracial stories and advocates for culturally responsive mental health care.
Infographic Alert: Bi-Racial & Multi-racial Youth & Young Adults
How does the sense of belonging (or being made to feel that you don’t belong) to any group fuel anxiety and depression for Biracial & Multiracial youth and young adults? This infographic illustrates the ways their symptoms show up, the impact of rejection, and where they turn for reassurance. Dive into the data, then spread the word about this important project. Together, we can make sure their diverse voices are heard.
Sacred Steps Forward: An AAKOMA Project Brief on Mental Health in Native American/Indigenous Youth and Young Adults
Native American/Indigenous youth and young adults shared vital insights with us about their mental health, identity, and daily experiences. This brief highlights both the significant challenges many are navigating—including high rates of anxiety, depression, and experiences of not belonging—as well as the powerful cultural strengths, hope, and community connection that continue to sustain them. Sacred Steps Forward honors the right of Native American/Indigenous youth to be seen and supported fully.
Infographic Alert: Native American/Indigenous Youth & Young Adults
In our latest SOMHYOC report, Native American/Indigenous youth and young adults opened up about anxiety, depression, identity, connection, and the impact of the world around them. This infographic highlights what they’re navigating, what’s weighing on their hearts, and where they’re finding strength — including leaning on friends, culture, and community support. Explore the data. Then share with your circles so we can uplift Indigenous youth voices.
Grounded and Growing: An AAKOMA Project Brief on Mental Health in Latino/é Youth & Young Adults
Latino/é youth and young adults face high rates of anxiety and depression, alongside unique challenges tied to racism, immigration, and belonging. Nearly half reported considering suicide in the past year, yet many also shared resilience through cultural identity, activism, and strong community bonds. This brief highlights urgent mental health needs while honoring the strengths that help Latino/é young people navigate complex realities.
Infographic Alert: Latino/é Youth and Young Adults on Mental Health
Latino/é young people are speaking up about what mental health really looks like in their communities. From high rates of depression and anxiety to the cultural strengths that foster resilience, their voices reveal both urgent challenges and powerful sources of hope. Explore the latest infographic to see the data and stories behind belonging, stigma, and support drawn from the groundbreaking SOMHYOC 2025 report.
Held and Heard: Resilience & Support Among Youth and Young Adults of Color
This AAKOMA Project brief explores how social support impacts the mental health of intersectional YYAC across the U.S. Drawing from responses from over 8,600 youth, findings show that more than 60% of participants have at least one person they can rely on for support—with friends and caregivers being the most commonly identified sources. This report highlights the protective role of support networks in building resilience, navigating mental health challenges, and mitigating the effects of identity-based traumas like racism and homophobia. It underscores the importance of culturally responsive and community-rooted interventions to strengthen these support systems and empower youth to thrive.
Infographic Alert: Political Anxiety & Youth Mental Health
What impact does today’s political climate have on the mental health of Youth and Young Adults of Color? This infographic draws from our SOMHYOC 2025 study to show how political media content—especially on social platforms—is a growing source of stress for YYAC. Check out the data and learn how identity and exposure shape emotional responses to today’s political realities.
Infographic Alert: Climate Change Anxiety in Youth and Young Adults of Color
This SOMHYOC 2025 infographic highlights the emotional toll of the climate crisis on Youth and Young Adults of Color (YYAC). Explore how identity, age, and lived experience shape how young people feel about the future of the planet.
Anchored in Identity: An AAKOMA Project Brief on Mental Health in LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults of Color
Anchored in Identity explores the mental health realities of over 3,800 LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults of Color, including almost 1,200 Transgender, Nonbinary and Genderqueer YYAC. It reveals urgent data on anxiety, depression, identity-based discrimination, and the strength of community. This is definitely essential reading for anyone who recognizes the importance of affirming, culturally relevant care.
Infographic Alert: LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults of Color
Get a glimpse into unseen struggles and quiet strength: LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults of Color speak out on their mental health, identity, and hope. Dive into the story then download and share.
Unapologetically Us: An AAKOMA Project Brief on Mental Health in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Youth and Young Adults
Download this Brief to explore what AANHPI Youth and Young Adults are facing when it comes to their mental health, including anxiety, depression, and feeling disconnected. Despite the challenges, though, many still feel hopeful. This Brief is informed by the groundbreaking 2025 State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color Study.
Infographic Alert: AANHPI Youth and Young Adults on Mental Health
What’s the real story behind the mental health of AANHPI young people today? Our latest infographic reveals what Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Youth and Young Adults have to say about stress, stigma, belonging, and resilience—all backed by data from our groundbreaking SOMHYOC 2025 report.
Roots and Resilience: An AAKOMA Project Brief on Mental Health in Arab/MENA Youth and Young Adults
Amid rising anxiety, depression, and online hate, Arab/MENA youth fight for healing, hope, and visibility in a world that often overlooks their struggles. Check out this Brief from the 2025 State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color Study.
Infographic Alert: Arab/MENA YYA Mental Health Uncovered
What’s really going on with Arab and MENA youth mental health in the U.S.? The AAKOMA Project presents a powerful new infographic capturing what Arab/MENA youth and young adults are saying about depression, anxiety, identity, online hate, and hope in today’s world.
This could not have happened without YOU!
The AAKOMA Project conducted our State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color survey earlier this year. The results are in, and we will be continually updating this page with special briefs, executive summaries, and the full report.
This groundbreaking study remains one of the first if its kind to center on the mental health needs of Intersectional Youth of Color. It was designed to highlight the unique needs and experiences on everything from social media, racial trauma, and social supports and the role they play in mental health.
For over 20 years, The AAKOMA Project has pushed to create culturally relevant and effective resources for this community. This survey is a big step toward making the voices of you and your peers heard to make sure no one is left behind.
If you were able to contribute, thank you!
