Depression is a common mental health disorder in the United States. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in 2019, approximately 7.8 percent of U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This represented about 19.4 million adults.
Rates of depression can vary depending on various factors such as age, gender, and socio-economic status. For example, the prevalence of major depressive episode was higher among adult females (9.8%) compared to males (5.5%) in 2019. Young adults aged 18-25 years had higher prevalence of major depressive episode (16.0%) compared to adults aged 26-49 years (7.5%) and aged 50 and older (4.8%).
It’s important to note that many people with depression do not seek treatment due to factors like stigma, lack of resources, or lack of knowledge about their condition. Depression is a serious condition that can lead to significant distress and impairment, but it is also highly treatable with psychotherapy, medications, and other interventions.
Please note that these statistics are based on data available at the time of this posting and are subject to change over time. For the most recent figures, you should refer to the latest reports from reliable sources or organizations like the NIMH. Moreover, it’s also worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant mental health impacts, likely affecting rates of depression.