A new CDC assessment shows depression has surged in the United States, with widening gaps in access to care. The analysis, based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics gathered between August 2021 and August 2023, highlights both the scale of the problem and the hurdles people face when seeking help. As similar trends emerge in Thailand and across Asia, the findings offer timely insights for the Kingdom and the region.
More than 1 in 8 Americans aged 12 and older reported depressive symptoms in recent years, a rate that nearly doubles the 2015-2016 level. The share surpassed 13% during 2021-2023, with adolescents and young women disproportionately affected. In particular, more than a quarter of girls aged 12-19 experienced depression, the highest rate among demographic groups. Experts note that changes in survey methods—from in-person to phone or online interviews—may have influenced disclosure, yet the pandemic acted as a catalyst, intensifying preexisting emotional distress.
The pandemic did more than alter data collection. It amplified social isolation, economic uncertainty, and health fears, creating a perfect storm for mental health struggles. A 2022 CNN-KFF survey found that nine out of ten US adults agreed the country faces a mental health crisis. Meanwhile, rising awareness through campaigns and public discussions is making younger generations more willing to acknowledge their feelings. A child psychology expert emphasizes that girls have often been more expressive about such challenges, though attitudes are shifting among boys as well.
Despite rising recognition, formal support remains uneven. CDC data show that while nearly 88% of people with depression reported significant life disruption, only about 40% received counseling or therapy. Women were more likely to seek help than men (43% vs. 33%). Antidepressant use was also higher among adult women, with roughly 15% using these medications in 2023 compared with about 7.4% of men. Notably, the highest rates of antidepressant use appeared among adults aged 45-74, not the youngest group.
Care disparities reflect a mix of barriers, including stigma, insurance gaps, provider shortages, and privacy concerns. Depression prevalence decreases with age and income, suggesting that financial resources and access influence risk and treatment. Even as dialogue grows, many people still face obstacles to care.
Policy and political debates around antidepressants—especially SSRIs—have shaped public discourse. Officials have issued conflicting claims about addiction potential, though medical consensus underscores that SSRIs are not addictive in the same sense as opioids. A 2023 analysis of mental health prescription trends found that overall prescription rates have remained stable since 2018, with a brief pandemic-era uptick that quickly leveled off. This indicates rising depression is not simply a result of higher prescribing or looser diagnostics.
Thailand is observing similar concerns: rising mental health challenges among youth and persistent access disparities. Thailand’s mental health authorities have reported increasing depression and suicide attempts among teenagers since the COVID-19 era, compounded by stigma and a shortage of clinicians. In many communities, family networks, Buddhist traditions, and traditional remedies remain central to emotional support, even as the need for professional care grows. Initiatives from the government, including destigmatization campaigns, school-based counseling, and telemedicine pilots, signal a shift toward greater accessibility.
Thai readers should note the cultural context that shapes how depression is discussed and treated. Concepts like kreng jai—prioritizing others’ feelings—and the emphasis on preserving face can discourage open discussion and help-seeking. Yet policy efforts are advancing, with increased mental health education in schools and expanded telehealth services. Integrating screening into routine care and expanding training for therapists can help bridge gaps, particularly in rural areas.
Looking ahead, expanded access to affordable counseling, stigma reduction, and prevention programs are essential for both the United States and Thailand. Without these, rising depression could lead to long-term social and economic costs, including reduced productivity and higher healthcare spending. For Thailand, lessons from these findings stress the importance of investing in mental health resources, training a broader workforce of counselors, embedding mental health screening into primary care, and leveraging technology to reach underserved communities.
For Thai readers, the message is clear: depression is a global concern that requires local action. If you notice persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, or thoughts of hopelessness lasting more than two weeks, seek support from a mental health professional. Community leaders, schools, and workplaces can help by improving access to services and reducing stigma. Local hotlines and government programs are evolving to meet rising needs, and greater public awareness can drive meaningful change.
In sum, mental health challenges cross borders but also invite shared solutions: better access to care, community support, and culturally sensitive approaches that respect Thai values while encouraging professional help when needed.