Depression is Becoming More Common Among Adults and Adolescents in the United States, but Most Are Not Getting Therapy to Help

According to a recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression rates among adults and adolescents in the United States are on the rise, with more than 1 in 8 individuals aged 12 and up experiencing depressive symptoms in recent years. This statistic signifies a considerable increase, doubling from 7.3% in 2015-16 to over 13% in the years spanning 2021-23. The report derives findings from a federal survey conducted amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which interrupted data collection and led to modifications in how participants were surveyed. Notably, while the depth of the crisis is apparent, it appears that awareness of mental health has grown concurrently, prompting discussions about the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Experts like Dr. Matt Mishkind suggest the increase in depression rates is a reflection of various societal stressors and a newfound willingness to identify these issues rather than merely an artifact of improved reporting mechanisms. Women are significantly more affected, with about 16% of them reporting depression, compared to 10% of men. Alarmingly, over 25% of adolescent girls aged 12 to 19 experience depression, indicating that youth mental health issues are reaching critical levels, particularly among females. Despite this alarming survey data revealing that nearly 88% of respondents reported difficulties due to depression in various aspects of life, only about 40% had received any form of therapy or counseling. This gap reveals a larger issue within mental health care access and public stigma regarding treatment. The discussion of potential over-prescription of antidepressants, particularly SSDIs, weaves in political perspectives, with spokespeople like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. making controversial claims that SSRIs could be more addictive than heroin. A secondary report from healthcare analytics company Truveta noted that despite the surge in mental health awareness during the pandemic, trends in prescriptions for mental health medications have remained relatively stable, alleviating concerns regarding the potential for over-prescription. Nevertheless, the findings stress the importance of increased outreach and support, particularly for younger populations, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in how mental health is approached and treated in the United States. Overall, this report highlights an urgent mental health crisis that demands immediate attention and action from both public health authorities and society as a whole.