This overview of national and state-level data from CDC data sources shows trends in mental health and well-being among youth and adults in the United States. Both mental and physical health are essential for general health. Understanding this data can help us take steps to improve the nation’s mental health, including strengthening the conditions in which we learn, live, work and play.
Highlights from mental health
Adolescent mental health
Adult depression
Adult social and emotional support
Explore mental health data, trends and resources
Understanding data from across CDC sources can help paint a comprehensive picture of the overall state of mental health and well-being among youth and adults. Explore the topics below to learn more.
Data and resources on life satisfaction and the physical and mental health of young people and adults.
Data and resources about youth and adult depression and anxiety and mental health care for adults.
Data and resources on young people’s and adults’ feelings of loneliness and social connection and support.
National data on youth and adult mental health-related visits to the emergency department (ED).
National data on suicide-related emergency visits and suicidal thoughts and attempts among young people.
Definitions of mental health
- Mental health is the component of behavioral health that encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being.1 Mental health is a state of well-being that enables us to cope with the stresses of life, realize our potential, learn well and work well, and contribute to our community.2
- Mental nut3 is a general term for a subjective feeling of discomfort, mental anguish, perceived lack of control, anxiety or stress. This condition is also known as psychological distress.
- Well-being4 is a state of positive functioning and general satisfaction with life, including the presence of positive emotions. This condition can also result from economic, environmental and social conditions that contribute to a sense of purpose and meaning.
- ONE mental health status is an illness or disorder that affects your thinking, feelings, behavior or mood.5 Health professionals use guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to diagnose mental disorders.6
CDC’s prevention approach
Tackling the nation’s mental health crisis depends on more than treatment. CDC focuses on the drivers of wellness and mental illness to promote wellness and prevent mental health conditions before they develop or worsen, especially among young people. Learn more about the CDC’s approach.
Content Source:
- SAMHSA. (2023). What is mental health. Retrieved 10 April 2024 from https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
- World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health. Retrieved 24 June 2024 from https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
- American Psychological Association (APA). (2018). Dictionary of Psychology: Psychological distress. Retrieved 10 April 2024 from https://dictionary.apa.org/psychological-distress; SAMHSA. (2023). Warning signs and risk factors for emotional distress. Retrieved 10 April 2024 from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/warning-signs-risk-factors.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Well-being concepts. Retrieved 10 April 2024 from https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/wellbeing.htm; WHO. (2024). Promotion of well-being. Retrieved 10 April 2024 from https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-well-being.
- SAMHSA. (2023). Mental health and substance use disorders. Retrieved 10 April 2024 from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disorders.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
