Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder) is one of the most common and debilitating mental health conditions in the United States, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, fatigue, and difficulty functioning in daily life. The current depression rate stands at 18.3% in 2025, projecting to an estimated 47.8 million Americans — up roughly eight percentage points since 2015, with much of the increase occurring after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC data confirms that depression prevalence among adolescents and adults has risen 60% over the past decade, with more than 1 in 10 U.S. adults now taking prescription medication for the condition. Rates are highest among adolescents ages 12–19 and decline with age, and are significantly elevated among those living below the poverty line. Depression is caused by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, and is treated through a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions — though only about 40% of those living with depression currently receive counseling or therapy, with persistent disparities across gender, age, and socioeconomic lines.
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