The COVID States Project #98: Depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness among young Americans

In our latest survey, 24% of Americans report levels of depression that would typically trigger a referral for evaluation and treatment. Among 18-24-year-olds, that number jumps to 44%, including 24% of 18-24-year-olds meeting the criteria for moderate to severe or severe depression.• The rate of depression among 18-24-year-olds is slightly down over the last 12 months, and down from its peak at 53% in June 2022.Percentages of 18-24-year-olds who say they are avoiding public places, avoiding contact with others, or wearing face masks outside the home are the lowest they have been in any of our surveys since the beginning of the pandemic. However, despite continuing to return to pre-pandemic life, the rate of depression among 18-24-year-olds has not declined in kind.Young respondents identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual are significantly more likely than older and heterosexual respondents to report symptoms of depression and anxiety and higher levels of stress. Sixty-three percent of 18-24-year-olds identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual meet the criteria for at least moderate depression, while 56% report symptoms of generalized anxiety.While young people report higher rates of depression across the board, young people with lower household incomes are the most likely to meet the criteria for depression. Forty-nine percent of 18-24-year-olds with a household income of under $25,000 meet the criteria for depression.Young women report higher levels of depression, stress, and anxiety than young men.Young respondents report higher levels of self-reported stress and anxiety (based on the GAD-2 questionnaire) than any other age group, a finding that has been consistent throughout all of our surveys.