Mental health is about how we think, feel, and connect with others. It affects how we handle stress, make decisions, and go about our daily lives. When our mental health is good, it helps us take care of our responsibilities and enjoy life. When it is not, it can affect our physical health, our self-esteem, and how we behave and relate to other people.
Some people have mental health symptoms that are strong, long-lasting, and make it hard to function day to day. This may be a sign of a mental health condition, such as depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or panic disorder. Others may not have a diagnosed condition but still struggle with their mental health. This can include feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally distressed.
In 2024, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults were 11% more likely than U.S. adults overall to report having a mental illness in the past year.
In 2024, AI/AN adults were 17% less likely than U.S. adults overall to have received mental health treatment in the past year.
In 2023, AI/AN high school students were 21% more likely than students nationwide to report attempting suicide in the past year.
In 2022, AI/AN people were 91% more likely to die by suicide than the U.S. population overall.
Age-adjusted death rates for suicide by sex, race, and Hispanic origin, 2022
AI/AN*
Total Population
Ratio (AI/AN* / Total)
Male
39.6
23.0
1.72
Female
14.6
5.9
2.47
Both Sexes
27.1
14.2
1.91
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2025). Deaths: Final data for 2022 (National Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 74, No. 4, Table 11). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
