More than 1 in 6 adults have depression as rates rise to record levels in the US, survey finds

CNN

According to a recent Gallup report, depression is more prevalent than ever before in the United States.

Gallup began polling adults on this topic in 2015. Since then, Gallup has conducted more than seven percentage points of surveys.

According to the survey, nearly 3 out of 10 adults were clinically diagnosed as depressed at some stage in their lives. This is a record-high.

The Covid-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on mental health. The Gallup data indicates that rates of clinical depression have been steadily rising in the US, but they have 'jumped significantly' in the last few years.

'The fact Americans are more depressed after this time is not surprising', said Dr. Rebecca Brendel. She was the president of the American Psychiatric Association. There are still lingering effects of the last three years on our mental health and our physical health.

Experts say that mental health awareness has increased, and this could lead to a higher rate of diagnosis - which is a good thing.

Brendel stated that 'we're making mental health easier to discuss and look at as a part of our overall wellbeing, just like physical wellness'. People are becoming more aware of depression and are looking for help.

She said that younger generations are more willing to talk about mental health issues. The Covid-19 epidemic also disrupted crucial periods of development for young adults. This could have made them more vulnerable to depression.

According to Gallup, the rate of depression among young adults is higher than that of any other age group. It has also increased the most in the past few years. A quarter of adults aged under 30 are depressed.

Women have higher rates of clinical depressive disorders over their lifetimes, and the rates are rising twice as quickly as they do in men. According to the survey, more than a third (35%) of women had been diagnosed as having depression at one point in their lives. This compares with only a fifth (5%) of men.

For the first time ever, the lifetime rates of clinical depressive disorder among Black and Hispanic adult adults were equal to or exceeded the rate among White adult.

" Depression can take many forms. Brendel stated that APA has been paying more attention in recent years to the connection between cultural norms and beliefs systems.

The latest updates to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the formal guide for clinical assessments of mental health conditions) included a Cultural Formulation Interview that helps keep individual experiences in the forefront.

The US is facing a severe shortage of mental health providers as demand increases. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, the US is in need of more than 8,000 mental healthcare practitioners to fill gaps.

Treatment options are numerous, including primary care physician support and benefits at work.

Brendel stated that depression is treatable. The earlier we seek help, then the quicker and more efficiently it will help us get back on track.