Depression has reached record highs in the United States, with new research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing a stark increase in prevalence and persistent disparities in access to treatment. Drawing data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the recent survey—conducted between August 2021 and August 2023—sheds light on both the growing scale of the problem and the obstacles many face in seeking help. As similar trends emerge in Thailand and across Asia, the findings carry important lessons for the Kingdom and the broader region amidst evolving mental health challenges.
Over 1 in 8 Americans ages 12 and older reported symptoms of depression in recent years, the CDC report found, with the rate nearly doubling from 7.3% in 2015-2016 to more than 13% in 2021-2023 (CDC NCHS Data). Adolescents and young women were especially affected: more than a quarter of girls aged 12-19 experienced depression, the highest among all groups. Dr. Matt Mishkind, deputy director of the Johnson Depression Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, observed, “There’s been stressor after stressor after stressor for a long time now, and I think that is starting to truly affect people.” While changes in survey methodology—switching from in-person to phone or online interviews—might have contributed to increased disclosures, mental health experts say the pandemic was a catalyst that intensified an already rising tide of emotional distress.
The COVID-19 pandemic did more than disrupt survey logistics; it amplified challenges that had been building for years. Prolonged social isolation, economic uncertainty, and anxiety about health created a perfect storm for mental health struggles. According to a 2022 survey conducted by CNN and the Kaiser Family Foundation, 90% of US adults agreed the country is experiencing a mental health crisis (CNN/KFF survey). At the same time, greater awareness around mental health—thanks to advocacy campaigns, social media discussions, and high-profile figures sharing their experiences—has made younger generations, especially adolescent girls, more willing to talk about their feelings. Dr. Jill Emanuele of the Child Mind Institute notes, “Girls are more verbal and vocal about some of their challenges, traditionally; boys are not as much, although I think that is changing.”
Yet, even as reporting of depression increases, most do not receive formal support. The CDC’s latest findings show that although almost 88% of those with depression experienced significant disruptions in work, home, or social life, only about 40% received counseling or therapy. Gender differences were striking: 43% of women with depression accessed therapy compared to 33% of men. In medication use, adult women were also more than twice as likely as men to take antidepressants—over 15% compared to just 7.4% of men in 2023 (CDC Medication Use Report). Notably, the highest medication usage was not among the youngest adults, but rather those aged 45-74.
The uneven rates of care reflect systemic barriers, stigma, and socio-economic factors. Depression rates declined with age and increasing income, indicating that wealthier individuals may have more resources and less risk. Even with increased dialogue about mental health, lingering stigma, lack of insurance, limited mental health providers, and privacy concerns prevent many from seeking help.
The conversation around antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), has also entered the political realm. US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made controversial and inaccurate statements suggesting SSRIs are more addictive than heroin. Experts and leading health organizations refute this, emphasizing SSRIs are not considered addictive in the same sense as opioids—though they carry their own risks and side effects. A 2023 analysis from healthcare data firm Truveta found that, contrary to concerns about overprescribing, mental health prescription rates have remained relatively stable since 2018, with a temporary uptick during the pandemic that quickly returned to previous levels (Truveta Blog). This suggests growing depression rates are not simply a byproduct of increased medication reliance or looser diagnostic standards.
The US trends mirror what Thailand is beginning to observe: rising mental health challenges, particularly among young people, and disparities in access to qualified care. Thailand’s Department of Mental Health has reported increasing rates of depression and suicide attempts among Thai teenagers since the onset of COVID-19 (Bangkok Post). Yet, societal stigma and a shortage of mental health professionals persist as significant barriers to care. Many Thais, especially in rural areas, still rely on family networks, Buddhist teachings, or traditional medicine for emotional solace, rather than seeking formal therapy or medication—a strength in terms of social support, but sometimes a limitation for complex cases that require clinical intervention.
Societal expectations and family dynamics in Thailand also shape how depression is viewed and treated. The cultural emphasis on “kreng jai” (consideration of others’ feelings, often at the expense of one’s own) and the pressure to maintain “face” can discourage individuals from disclosing emotional pain or seeking professional help. These attitudes may lead to underreporting and a lack of adequate support for those in need. However, recent government initiatives—including campaigns to destigmatize mental illness, the expansion of school-based counseling programs, and telemedicine pilot projects—signal a shift towards a more open and accessible approach to mental healthcare (Thai Ministry of Public Health).
Looking ahead, both the US and Thailand face daunting challenges. Without expanded access to affordable counseling, reduced stigma, and a greater focus on prevention, rising rates of depression may translate into long-term social and economic costs, from absenteeism at work or school to increased healthcare expenditures and diminished quality of life. For Thailand, lessons from the US data highlight the critical need to invest in mental health resources, train more therapists and counselors, integrate mental health screening into routine medical care, and further harness technology for rural and underserved communities.
For Thai readers, the latest CDC findings are both a warning and a call to action. Depression is not a sign of weakness, nor is it a problem confined to the West. As Thailand navigates rapid social change, economic pressures, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19, it is vital for individuals, families, and policymakers to prioritize mental wellness. Watch for signs of depression—persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, overwhelming fatigue, or thoughts of hopelessness—in yourself and loved ones. When these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and disrupt daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Reach out via the Department of Mental Health’s hotline (1323), talk to trusted friends or community leaders, and advocate for more mental health services in schools and workplaces.
Mental health challenges know no boundaries—age, gender, or nationality. But with greater awareness, stronger community support, and improved access to care, Thailand can foster resilience and ensure brighter tomorrows for all.
Sources: