A new US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)report reveals a striking increase in depression across the United States, with nearly one in eight people aged 12 and older affected. The findings show that depression rates have nearly doubled since 2015.
The CDC report said that depression is becoming more common among adults and adolescents, especially among teenage girls and women. It also added that the majority are not receiving the therapy they need. Depression prevalence has nearly doubled, from 7.3% in 2015-16 to more than 13% in 2021-23.
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The results are drawn from a national survey conducted from August 2021 to August 2023. Participants answered questions about recent symptoms of depression, and their responses were scored using a validated screening tool to determine if they likely had depression.
The report added that depression rates were notably higher among women (16 percent) than men (10.1 percent). Nearly one in five adolescents (19.2 percent) reported symptoms of depression, while only 8.7 percent of adults aged 60 and older did.
The agency added that just under 40% of people with depression said they had seen a mental health professional in the past year. That included 43% of women and 33.2% of men who received mental health care.
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Depression is a common mental health condition that can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Classic symptoms include lack of energy, sleeplessness, feelomg lost and irritable. According to experts individuals may find relief through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches.
