Depression is on the rise across the United States, especially among adolescents and women, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), yet fewer than half of those affected are receiving therapy or counseling. The findings, published on April 16, 2025, offer the most up-to-date look at how the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing societal challenges have intensified mental health struggles, while also exposing persistent gaps in access to mental health care and continued disparities by gender, age, and socioeconomic status (CNN).
This surge in depression presents both a warning and an opportunity for Thailand, where mental health remains a topic often discussed sotto voce, with cultural stigma still shaping engagement with treatment. In a country sharply shaped by family ties, community support, and rapidly changing social contexts, Thailand’s policymakers, health professionals, and educators are closely watching global mental health trends for lessons on prevention and intervention.
According to the CDC report, the prevalence of depression among Americans aged 12 and older nearly doubled from 7.3% in 2015–16 to more than 13% in 2021–23. For adolescent girls aged 12 to 19, the data is even starker: over one in four (more than 25%) reported depression, and more than half reported feeling “persistently sad or hopeless” in recent years—significantly higher than the rates reported among boys (CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey). Dr. Matt Mishkind, deputy director of the Johnson Depression Center, explains, “The world is a difficult place right now… that is starting to truly affect people. There’s been stressor after stressor after stressor for a long time now.” The COVID-19 pandemic, economic strains, and global uncertainty have all contributed to psychological distress, while also bringing greater awareness to mental health challenges.
Despite increased awareness, treatment rates remain stubbornly low. While nearly 88% of those with depression experience significant difficulties in work, home, or social life, only about 40% have received any form of counseling or therapy. For women, treatment rates are slightly higher (43%) compared to men (33%), and adult women are more than twice as likely as men to take antidepressant medications. In 2023, more than 15% of women and 7.4% of men were prescribed medications for depression, but middle-aged adults (45–74 years) were more likely to receive medication than younger adults (18–44 years). Still, adolescents—despite the highest prevalence of depression—receive treatment at much lower rates.
The complexity behind rising rates prompts debate among clinicians and researchers about whether we are witnessing more actual cases of depression or greater willingness to self-report due to decreasing stigma, particularly among young people and women. Dr. Renee Goodwin, a psychiatric epidemiologist at Columbia University, notes that changing survey methods (more online and phone surveys) may encourage more honest disclosures than traditional in-person interviews, potentially contributing to higher reported prevalence.
A crucial aspect highlighted by the CDC is the gender difference in both incidence and communication about mental health. “Girls are more verbal and vocal about some of their challenges, traditionally; boys are not as much, although I think that is changing,” observes Dr. Jill Emanuele of the Child Mind Institute. This echoes persistent cultural norms worldwide, including in Thailand, where ‘men must be strong’ (ผู้ชายต้องเข้มแข็ง)—an attitude that can deter men and boys from seeking help or even admitting vulnerability.
Despite rising rates of depression, concerns about overprescribing antidepressant medications may be overstated. Data analyzed by the healthcare analytics company Truveta show that while prescriptions for depression medications briefly increased during the peak years of the COVID-19 pandemic, overall prescription rates have since returned to pre-pandemic levels. About half of prescribed mental health medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with no evidence of a major rise in dependency or problematic usage (Truveta Research). However, debates around medication continue at the policy level: US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently questioned the safety of SSRIs, but most mainstream medical experts agree these medications remain an important treatment option when used appropriately.
For Thailand, this new CDC research spotlights issues that are beginning to surface in the Kingdom, particularly among urban youth. The Thai Department of Mental Health (กรมสุขภาพจิต) recently reported a steady increase in hospital visits and hotline calls related to depression and anxiety, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (National Health Security Office). Thai society, long anchored in the value of “jai yen” (ใจเย็น)—keeping a cool heart—faces the challenge of balancing stoicism with openness about mental distress. Harvard Mental Health Letter notes that public health campaigns, education in schools, and the support of Buddhist temples are starting to reduce stigma, but access to affordable mental health professionals and culturally tailored therapy is still limited outside major cities (Harvard Health).
Socioeconomic differences remain pronounced in both the US and Thailand, with the CDC data showing that wealthier individuals are less likely to report depression and more likely to access treatment. In Thailand, universal health coverage (UHC) has improved access to basic care, but specialized mental health services often require navigating lengthy queues or paying out of pocket—a barrier for lower-income families and rural Thais. Cultural norms, such as the desire not to “lose face” (เสียหน้า), further complicate help-seeking behavior.
The rise in depression among Western adolescents draws parallels to rising anxiety and self-harm among Thai teens, often linked to cyberbullying, academic stress, family pressure, and the constant comparison enabled by social media platforms. In both countries, the shift to online learning during the pandemic deepened feelings of isolation for some, even while expanding digital access to counseling for others. Thailand’s Ministry of Education and Department of Mental Health have attempted to address these concerns by promoting helplines and collaborating with LINE and other platforms on mental health resources for youth (Bangkok Post).
Looking ahead, experts argue that both public awareness and service capacity must continue to grow. Innovations such as teletherapy can fill gaps in care, especially in remote regions, but must be paired with efforts to reduce stigma—especially among boys and men. There is also a need to develop culturally sensitive curricula in schools to teach stress management, resilience, and help-seeking behaviors from a young age. Encouraging more men and young people to participate in discussions about mental health, possibly by leveraging influential figures (from K-pop stars to Buddhist monks), could also help normalize the topic. Policymakers should also ensure health insurance schemes cover a broad spectrum of treatments—from medication and counseling to community-based and traditional support systems.
For everyday Thais, the key takeaway is this: depression is not a sign of weakness or “thinking too much” (คิดมากเกินไป) but a common, treatable health condition. If you or someone you know is struggling, considered reaching out to the nearest hospital, public health center, or one of Thailand’s mental health hotlines such as 1323. Early support can prevent suffering and ultimately save lives.
To further educate yourself, reliable resources are available from the World Health Organization (WHO: Depression), Thailand’s Department of Mental Health (กรมสุขภาพจิต), and mental health support groups on social platforms. As global and local research continues to evolve, staying informed and encouraging open conversations within families, schools, and workplaces can make a real difference—เปลี่ยนใจ เปลี่ยนชีวิต (Change the mind, change the life).