Depression rates among U.S. adults have reached one of the highest levels on record, with 18.3% of adults in 2025 — an estimated 47.8 million Americans — currently experiencing or being treated for depression. This marks an eight-point increase since 2015, with most of the surge occurring after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
According to Gallup’s latest National Health and Well-Being Index survey (Feb. 18-26 and May 27-June 4, 2025, with 11,288 adults), respondents were asked if they had ever been diagnosed with depression and if they currently have or are being treated for it. These findings underscore how depression rates have shifted dramatically over the past decade.
Lifetime Depression Diagnoses Near Record High
Currently, 28.5% of U.S. adults say they have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, hovering close to the record high of 29% measured in 2023. This reflects a persistent upward trend in depression rates and signals a growing mental health challenge nationwide.
Young Adults See Alarming Spike
The sharpest increases in depression rates are among younger adults. In 2017, just 13% of adults under 30 reported current depression. That figure has more than doubled to 26.7% in 2025. The rate also remains higher than the 22.4% among today’s 26-37-year-olds, suggesting that both generational differences and worsening conditions across age groups are fueling these higher depression rates.
Depression Among Lower-Income Americans
Adults in households earning less than $24,000 annually are also facing a significant surge. Depression rates have climbed from 22.1% in 2017 to 35.1% in 2025 — a 13-point increase in eight years. Since 2023 alone, depression among this group has risen nine points, coinciding with a rise in financial hardship and “cost desperation,” where Americans struggle to afford healthcare, medications, or basic needs.
Loneliness and Depression: A Strong Link
Gallup’s data highlights the connection between loneliness and depression rates. One-third of those who reported feeling lonely the previous day also reported current depression, compared with just 13% among those who did not feel lonely.
After dipping in 2022–2023, significant daily loneliness has risen again to 21% in 2025, the highest level since March 2021. Nearly three in ten young adults (29%) now report daily loneliness, aligning with their elevated depression rates.
Contributing Factors Behind Rising Depression
The increase in depression rates and loneliness reflects a complex web of challenges:
- Economic stressors: Rising living costs, student debt, and housing insecurity.
- Healthcare barriers: Costly or inaccessible mental health care, especially among low-income groups.
- Post-pandemic effects: Lingering social isolation, disrupted life transitions, and uncertainty.
- Technology and social media: Increased exposure to online comparison, cyberbullying, and digital dependence that can erode mental well-being.
- Reduced stigma: While concerning, the rise in diagnoses may also reflect progress in people being more open to acknowledging their struggles and seeking help.
Societal and Economic Consequences
Beyond personal suffering, depression rates also carry significant societal costs. Gallup research estimates that workplace depression alone results in $23 billion in lost productivity annually due to absenteeism. Broader poor mental health contributes to an estimated $48 billion economic burden each year.
Addressing the Crisis: Paths Forward
Experts emphasize that reversing these trends requires multi-layered solutions, including:
- Expanded access to affordable mental healthcare and medication.
- Stronger investment in preventive care, school-based mental health programs, and workplace wellness initiatives.
- Policies to address housing, education, and financial insecurity that worsen mental health conditions.
- Greater awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote resilience, coping skills, and healthy social connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why are depression rates increasing in the U.S.?
Depression rates are rising due to a combination of economic pressures, lingering pandemic effects, increased loneliness, and greater openness in reporting mental health struggles.
Q2: Which groups are most affected by depression rates in 2025?
Young adults under 30 and lower-income Americans are experiencing the sharpest increases, with rates reaching 26.7% and 35.1%, respectively.
Q3: How is loneliness connected to depression rates?
Loneliness significantly raises the risk of depression. In fact, about one-third of adults who experience daily loneliness also report current depression.
Q4: What role does social media play in mental health?
While social media can provide connection, excessive use linked to comparison, cyberbullying, and body image issues has been shown to exacerbate loneliness and depression.
Q5: What can help reduce depression rates?
Solutions include improving access to mental healthcare, addressing financial and housing insecurity, building stronger community support systems, and promoting healthy coping strategies like exercise, mindfulness, and balanced social media use.
