Depression, also known as clinical depression, is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States and worldwide.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021. This is equivalent to 8.3% of the adult population.

A 2024 article states that 16 to 20 out of 100 people will experience major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder at least once in their lifetimes, often before the age of 30.

Rates of depression among adult and adolescent females are higher than for males. Scientists are unsure why this is, but it is likely due to a combination of biology, genetics, cultural, and socioeconomic factors.

Depression affects people across all age groups, but its prevalence can vary. It is more common in older adults, but depression rates have been increasing among younger individuals in recent years.

In 2021, around 5 million United States adolescents ages 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode. Adolescent females were more than twice as likely to experience depression than adolescent males. Additionally, adolescents belonging to two or more racial groups had the highest rates of depression.

Experiencing depression as a younger person increases the likelihood of experiencing it as an older adult. Changes in the brain, difficult life circumstances, physical medical conditions, and hormonal shifts can all contribute to depression.

Support is available for people with depression and those close to them. Warmlines offer ways to phone, chat, or text with people who understand what it is like to be affected by mental health conditions. People experiencing depression can use a warmline to access empathetic listening and support. Find a warmline using its online directory.

People in crisis who need immediate help can use the following resources:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: People in emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 or chat online with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans or their loved ones can call 988, then press 1 to speak with a trained responder. They can also text 838255 or chat online. A person does not need to be enrolled in VA Health Care to use this service.