A new CDC briefing shows depression is more common now than at any time in recent history, yet treatment remains insufficient. The findings, drawn from 2021–2023 data, indicate that more than one in eight Americans aged 12 and older experienced depression, nearly double the rate from a decade earlier. Only about 40% of those affected sought counseling or therapy, underscoring a persistent gap between need and access to care.
The implications extend to Thailand, where mental health challenges surged after the Covid-19 era. While the United States reports rising prevalence, Thai policymakers and families can learn how social trends, public health strategies, and individual experiences shape outcomes. Data from the CDC show depression among Americans climbed from 7.3% in 2015–2016 to over 13% in 2021–2023. Researchers note that this increase reflects both real growth in cases and greater willingness to report symptoms as stigma declines.
Experts warn that rising numbers require more than awareness. Dr. Matt Mishkind, a senior clinician at a university depression center, notes that ongoing global stressors are taking a toll on people. Although public dialogue about mental health is expanding, access to care has not kept pace. In the survey, roughly 88% of those with depression reported that symptoms affected work, study, or social relationships, with about one-third describing the impact as very to extremely difficult.
Gender and age gaps stand out in the report. Adolescent girls show the highest rates, with more than one in four aged 12 to 19 screening positive for depression. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals that more than half of high school girls feel persistently sad or hopeless at times. Among adults, about 16% of women and 10% of men experienced depression. Women were more likely than men to seek therapy and to use prescription antidepressants.
These patterns offer useful comparisons for Thai families and educators. Recent Thai studies indicate rising anxiety and depression among youth, with girls often reporting higher emotional distress. As in the United States, there is a need to reduce stigma and improve access to care for young people in Thailand. Experts emphasize that girls often express challenges more openly, while boys may be less likely to seek help, a dynamic shifting as social norms evolve.
On treatment trends, antidepressant prescriptions in the United States remained relatively steady since 2018. In 2023, about 11.4% of adults were on depression medication. The pattern suggests that prescribing activity did not surge even as depression rates rose, pointing to cautious medical practice rather than overprescribing.
Thailand faces a comparable challenge in expanding mental health services. Department of Mental Health data indicate millions experience depression, yet only a fraction access professional care. Stigma, a shortage of psychiatrists outside major cities, and hurdles in obtaining counseling or medication through public health schemes continue to constrain progress. In rural areas, mental distress often remains private or discussed in temples rather than clinics.
Historically, stigma around mental health has constrained care in both countries. While open conversations are increasing through school programs and campaigns, many people still lack ready access to support. The Thai community’s emphasis on family cohesion and collective wellbeing can be a strength in addressing mental health, provided conversations are destigmatized and care is easily accessible.
Globally, depression remains a major public health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 280 million people live with depression, with the Covid-19 era intensifying stressors such as job loss and isolation. Increased screen time and social pressures appear linked to rising risk, particularly among youth, a trend seen in both the United States and Thailand.
What Thailand can do now mirrors the United States’ lessons. Effective responses require expanding access to care, integrating mental health into primary care, and training teachers to recognize warning signs. Messages should target groups often left out of mental health discussions, including young men and people in rural areas. Policymakers should also address digital habits and healthy technology use among Thai youth.
For individuals and families, the takeaway is clear: seeking help is a sign of strength. Open dialogue about stress and emotions is essential, especially for teens who may suffer in silence. Employers can support employees by promoting wellness programs and ensuring mental health care is included in health plans.
Thailand’s cultural strengths—community, compassion, and resilience—can drive progress in mental health care. By reducing stigma and expanding access, Thai people can support one another and ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it. For those feeling overwhelmed, the Department of Mental Health provides a hotline and local clinics as a lifeline. The United States’ experience shows both the risks of untreated depression and the hope that comes with greater awareness and improved care. By applying these lessons, Thailand can strengthen national wellbeing.
In-text context and attribution notes: Data are from the CDC’s NCHS Depression Data Brief (April 2025). The report’s broader context and insights are supported by public health discussions and analyses from multiple institutions, including the World Health Organization’s depression fact sheet and independent studies on youth mental health. All institutional references are integrated within the narrative without external links.