Most common mental health issues in young adults

According to our report, young adults in the U.S. reported twice the rates of anxiety and depression as teens.

Depression statistics 2024

Depression statistics 2024

Symptoms of depression in young adults

Causes of depression in young adults

What age group is depression most common in 2023

Anxiety and depression in young adults statistics

They identified several drivers of these emotional challenges, including a lack of meaning and purpose.

The report, On Edge: Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges, is based on a nationally representative survey of young adults (ages 18 – 25), teens, and parents conducted in December 2022.

Thirty-six percent (36%) of young adults who responded to the survey reported anxiety compared to 18% of teens; 29% of young adults reported depression compared to 15% of teens.

The report identifies a variety of stressors that may be driving young adults’ high rates of anxiety and depression.

It also suggests strategies for promoting young adults’ mental health and mitigating their emotional challenges.

Authored by Richard Weissbourd, Milena Batanova, Joseph McIntyre, and Eric Torres with Shanae Irving, Sawsan Eskander, and Kiran Bhai.