EPIDEMIOLoGY – HOW common is Depression ?

Depression is very common among children and adolescents.

In the United States in 2023, around 16% of young people aged 12-17 had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. That’s over 4 million teens! According to Mental Health America the rates varied across states, from about 12% in New Jersey to about 21% in Oregon (Copyright © Mental Health America [2024)]. Over the years, the number of children and adolescents experiencing depression has gone up, from around 8.1% in 2009 to 16% in 2019. 

Depression is also very common globally, about 15% of people aged 10-19 are dealing with mental health issues. Depression and other mental health disorders are big challenges for young people, both in the United States and worldwide, and they’re among the main reasons why young people struggle with their health. 

Before puberty, depression affects boys and girls equally. But once adolescence hits, girls are twice as likely to experience depression compared to boys. 

Insights gleaned from a national survey on LGBTQ youth and mental health, conducted by The Trevor Project, offer compelling revelations. Among individuals aged 13 to 24, a notable 58% reported grappling with depression.

Source: Mental Health America, 2024, “Youth Data 2023”, Copyright © Mental Health America [year of publication]. All Rights Reserved//published by Mental Health America, no part of this document may be reproduced without written consent