A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a stark increase in depression among adolescents and adults across the country. According to the data collected between 2021 and 2023, more than 1 in 8 Americans aged 12 and older have experienced symptoms of depression—nearly double the rate from just a decade ago. 

While rising rates may reflect growing mental health awareness and decreased stigma around seeking help, treatment access remains uneven. The CDC report found that only about 40% of those living with depression received counseling or therapy, and disparities persist across gender, age, and socioeconomic lines. 

“This is not simply a medication issue,” said Lisa A. Ferretti, research assistant professor and director of the continuing education program in the School of Social Work at Temple University’s College of Public Health. “Resources for more easily accessed group and individual interventions are critical to addressing the findings here that illustrate the need for more widely available supports for people living with depression.” 

Ferretti’s research focuses on social isolation, loneliness, grief, and suicide prevention—areas that have seen heightened urgency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her recent work, which includes building capacity among senior centers and disability support organizations, puts a spotlight on the need for localized, relationship-centered solutions that address the root causes of mental distress. 

Among adolescents, the data is particularly sobering: more than a quarter of teen girls reported symptoms of depression, the highest rate among any demographic group. In tandem, depression rates were shown to decrease with age and wealth, further highlighting structural inequities in care access and mental health outcomes. 

Kyle McGee, LCSW and faculty member at Temple University, also weighed in on the findings: 
“Among U.S. citizens, depression remains the second most common mental health condition behind anxiety. While better screening and a reduction in stigma may partially explain these increases, we must also acknowledge the residual effects of the pandemic—particularly in marginalized communities with less access to behavioral health care.” 

McGee, a certified clinical trauma specialist, brings years of frontline experience to the classroom, having served in behavioral health roles across Philadelphia and New Jersey. His insight reinforces a theme echoed by both practitioners and researchers: addressing depression requires more than awareness—it demands intentional investment in community-based services and an integrated public health approach. 

Improving Mental Health: Steps Everyone Can Take 

While policy change and expanded access to care remain critical, small lifestyle adjustments can also make a meaningful impact. Research continues to show that daily habits can help support mental wellness—especially when formal treatment is inaccessible or delayed. 

Here are a few evidence-based steps individuals can take today: 

• Spend more time outdoors: Exposure to natural light and green spaces is linked to reduced stress and improved mood. Even a short daily walk can help regulate circadian rhythms and boost serotonin levels. 

• Reduce social media use: Limiting screen time—especially before bed—can improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of anxiety or inadequacy often exacerbated by online comparison. 

• Prioritize connection: Make regular efforts to talk to friends, join community groups, or volunteer. Social connectedness is one of the strongest protective factors against depression. 

• Establish a routine: Structured daily habits (like consistent sleep, meals, and exercise) help maintain mental and emotional balance. 

• Limit alcohol and substance use: These can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety and interfere with prescribed medications. 

National Mental Health Resources 

For those seeking support, the following national resources are available 24/7: 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 
  Call or text 988 for free, confidential support for people in distress or crisis. 

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 
  Free and confidential treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish, for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 

• The Trevor Project – www.thetrevorproject.org 
  Specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth via call, text, and chat. 

• Mental Health America (MHA) – www.mhanational.org 
  Resources for screening tools, local support groups, and educational materials. 

• NAMI HelpLine – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 
  Information and resource referrals from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

At Temple University’s College of Public Health, faculty and students are at the forefront of this challenge—training the next generation of mental health professionals and expanding access to care across Pennsylvania and beyond.