Depression is more widespread than ever in the United States, according to a new Gallup survey.
Cerca de 18% dos adultos – mais de 1 em cada 6 – dizem que estão deprimidos ou recebendo tratamento para depressão, um salto de mais de 7 pontos percentuais desde 2015, quando a Gallup começou a fazer pesquisas sobre o assunto.
Nearly 3 in 10 adults have been clinically diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, according to the survey.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an undeniable impact on people’s mental health. Rates of clinical depression have been steadily increasing in the U.S., but have notably risen in recent years, Gallup data shows.
But experts say that awareness of mental health has also been increasing, which may lead to higher rates of diagnoses.
Younger generations seem particularly more willing to open up about their struggles with mental health. However, the COVID-19 pandemic also interrupted crucial growth periods for young adults, which may have left them more susceptible to the factors that lead to depression.
According to the Gallup survey, young adults reported higher rates of depression than any other age group. It was the largest increase in recent years. Nearly a quarter of adults under 30 say they are currently depressed.
Rates of clinical depression are significantly higher among women, with rates rising twice as fast as among men. More than a third of women reported having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, compared to about one-fifth of men, according to the survey.
Additionally, for the first time, rates of clinical depression among Black and Hispanic adults matched or exceeded the rate among White adults.
In other words, the numbers show that the illness is widespread across all age groups and racial and ethnic backgrounds.
But as the demand for mental health services increases, the U.S. is facing a critical shortage of providers. The country currently needs more than 8,000 mental health professionals, according to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
There is a wide range of treatment options available, including medical support and workplace benefits. After all, depression is treatable.
Source: CNN