A Literal Great Depression

In the previous report, White adults made up the highest number of depression cases, but in this report, Hispanic and Black adults dealing with mental struggles have surpassed the number of White adults dealing with mental struggles. Cases of clinical depression among Hispanic and Black adults are increasing at twice the rate as compared to their White adult peers. 

Those under the age of 44 years old appear to be experiencing the greatest increase in depression rates, with 34.3% of those between 18-29 being diagnosed with depression in 2023, and 34.9% of those between the ages of 30-44 being diagnosed as well. 

36.7% of women have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives compared to 20.4% of men, and the rate of depression among women has nearly doubled the rate of men since 2017. Young adults (24.6%) and women (23.8%) between the ages of 18-29 years old make up the two groups with the highest rates of current depression or getting treatment for depression. Adults under the age of 30 and those with lower income levels were found to be more likely to experience loneliness, worry, sadness, and anger daily, as well as needing more social time to boost their moods than older adults. 

Literally reaching another “Great Depression” is not just a problem in America, it is a global issue with 4 in 10 adults experiencing depression or anxiety or having a loved one struggling with mental health according to another 2021 Gallup Report. Previously, 22% of North American adults were found to have experienced anxiety or depression that was so extreme they had difficulty completing daily routines for 2 weeks or more. This rate is comparable to the global rate of 19% that are experiencing extreme depression in North Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. 

While the daily rates of loneliness have decreased as people make efforts to get back to their former lives and return to normal, the researchers predict that there will be an increase in the longer-term chronic rates of depression. Currently, around 17% of American adults experience significant loneliness, projecting to an estimated 44 million people.