A Gallup report shows that less than 30% of Americans rate their mental health as "excellent," while 72% consider it to be "good" or "excellent," figures that reach historic lows. This decline has been observed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experts explain that, despite the decrease in self-reported mental health, the growing willingness to talk about mental health could be a positive indicator, suggesting a reduction in stigma and greater awareness of disorders.

However, factors such as pandemic-related stress and political instability continue to affect mental health.

David Radley, senior health system tracking scientist at the Commonwealth Fund, told The Guardian that the greater cultural openness around mental health issues had likely meant that Americans were more willing to admit they were struggling.

“In some ways, people acknowledging and being willing to talk about mental health issues is actually a good sign,” he said.

Demographic Groups

The survey notes a notable drop among educated adults and Republicans in terms of self-reported mental health. Republicans reported a decline from 53% to 40% in rating their mental health as “excellent,” while college graduates have seen a 17% drop. As political divisions deepen, Dr. Rosenthal, a professor of psychiatry at Northwestern University, argues that civility and dialogue have been severely undermined, contributing to a sense of disconnection and discontent in society. However, this discontent has become more uniform across different demographic groups, raising questions about the future of mental health in the country.

Main Causes of Mental Stress

Mental stress in the US population has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic due to multiple interconnected factors. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that symptoms of anxiety and depression rose from 36.4% to 41.5% between 2020 and 2021.

Direct factors of the pandemic. Fear of infection, social isolation,and concerns about personal health had an immediate impact, exacerbating problems such as insomnia and depression in up to 70% of the affected population. In addition, the increase in domestic violence and alcohol or drug use was directly linked to these restrictions.

Persistent economic challenges. Financial uncertainty, job losses, and inflation have prolonged stress, with surveys by the American Psychological Association highlighting these as key sources along with food insecurity.

Low-income groups and essential workers face greater risks.

Social and technological influences. Racism, global conflicts, and excessive social media use have exacerbated anxiety, especially among young people and minorities, with a 30% decrease in reported sleep since 2007. Women and people with pre-existing conditions are the most vulnerable.

Comparison of the US population with that of other countries

Mental health in the United States faces a significant crisis, with adult depression rates exceeding 18% in 2025, affecting some 47.8 million people, especially young people and those with low incomes. This contrasts with global PAHO/WHO definitions, which emphasize mental health as well-being to cope with stress and contribute to the community.

Prevalence rates. The United States reports that 19.1% of adults have mental illness in recent data, including 4.6% with severe cases, and leads to suicide rates among OECD countries. Surveys from 2025 show that two-thirds of Americans are anxious about global events, with more than 25% consulting mental health professionals annually. International comparison: Although the US spends more on health (16.9% of GDP), its system shows gaps in access compared to other OECD countries, where socioeconomic factors exacerbate problems despite higher per capita spending. Young people aged 18-34 rate their mental health worse (60% good/excellent) than those over 65 (84%), a pattern intensified post-pandemic. Impact and trends. Depression among young people rose from 13% in 2017 to 26.7% in 2025, with economic losses of up to $48 billion annually due to absenteeism. However,There are advances such as a greater willingness to seek help and New Year's resolutions to improve mental health (33% in 2025).

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