Roughly 1 in 8 people aged 12 and older in the U.S. has depression. Here is what the latest CDC, NIMH and SAMHSA data show, why it must be taken seriously, and how to get help in Dallas, TX.
By Xander Mental Health Clinic, Dallas, TX | Last updated: October 23, 2026 | 10 minute read
Key Takeaways
- Depression is common and rising. 13.1% of people aged 12 and older had depression between August 2021 and August 2023, up from 8.2% in 2013–2014 (CDC/NCHS).
- It is disabling. 87.9% of people with depression reported at least some difficulty with work, home or social activities.
- The stakes are high. The U.S. recorded 49,316 suicide deaths in 2023, and the annual economic burden of adult major depressive disorder was estimated at $326 billion in 2018.
- Many people go without care. Only 39.3% of people with depression received counseling or therapy in the past year.
- Depression is treatable. A thorough assessment and a personalized plan are the first steps. Xander Mental Health Clinic in Dallas, TX is ready to help.
Depression is a common, serious and treatable medical condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13.1% of people aged 12 and older in the United States, roughly 1 in 8, had depression between August 2021 and August 2023 (Brody & Hughes, 2025). Yet many people never receive care.
Mental health is not a luxury, and it is not a matter of willpower. It is a core component of overall health, which is why it is non-negotiable. This guide reviews the latest federal data on how many Americans are affected, what depression costs people and society, how large the gap between need and care remains, and what effective treatment looks like. It ends with practical guidance for readers in Dallas, Texas and nearby communities.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a medical illness, not a character flaw. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that its symptoms can be severe and can disrupt daily life, including sleep, eating and work (NIMH, n.d.-a).
Depression vs. Ordinary Sadness
Everyone feels low at times. As NIMH puts it, “Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with time” (NIMH, n.d.-a). The clinical distinction rests on persistence, severity and impact on daily functioning.
Causes and Risk Factors
NIMH reports that genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors all play a role, and that depression can affect anyone regardless of age, race, income, culture or education. It is also connected to other serious health problems: NIMH links depression to heart disease and diabetes and identifies it as a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (NIMH, n.d.-a).
Common Signs of Depression
The following signs are widely recognized in clinical practice. A licensed clinician can evaluate whether they point to depression:
- Low mood or a sense of emptiness on most days
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep, appetite or energy
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawing from family, friends or work
Symptoms that last two weeks or longer, a commonly used clinical threshold, or that interfere with daily life deserve a professional evaluation.
How Common Is Depression in the United States?
CDC Data: 13.1% of People Aged 12 and Older
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) estimated that 13.1% of people aged 12 and older had depression between August 2021 and August 2023, defined as a score of 10 or higher on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). That is up from 8.2% in 2013–2014 (Brody & Hughes, 2025). Prevalence was higher among females (16.0%) than males (10.1%) and highest among adolescents aged 12–19 (19.2%). It also followed a steep income gradient: 22.1% among people living below the federal poverty level, compared with 7.4% among those at 400% of the poverty level or above.
SAMHSA Data: Millions of Adults and Adolescents
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) uses a different measure in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health: a past-year major depressive episode. In 2021, 21.0 million U.S. adults (8.3%) and 5.0 million adolescents aged 12–17 (20.1%) had at least one such episode. Among adults, 14.5 million (5.7%) experienced severe impairment as a result (NIMH, n.d.-b).
Table 1. Selected national indicators of depression prevalence
| Indicator | Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Depression (PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher), ages 12 and older, Aug 2021–Aug 2023 | 13.1% | Brody & Hughes, 2025 |
| Same measure, 2013–2014 | 8.2% | Brody & Hughes, 2025 |
| Females/males | 16.0% / 10.1% | Brody & Hughes, 2025 |
| Ages 12–19 | 19.2% | Brody & Hughes, 2025 |
| Family income below poverty level / at or above 400% of poverty level | 22.1% / 7.4% | Brody & Hughes, 2025 |
| Adults with a past-year major depressive episode (2021) | 8.3% (21.0 million) | SAMHSA, 2022; NIMH, n.d.-b |
| Adolescents 12–17 with a past-year major depressive episode (2021) | 20.1% (5.0 million) | SAMHSA, 2022; NIMH, n.d.-b |
| Adults with a major depressive episode and severe impairment (2021) | 5.7% (14.5 million) | SAMHSA, 2022; NIMH, n.d.-b |
Why Depression Must Be Taken Seriously
Depression Disrupts Daily Life
In the NCHS data, 87.9% of adolescents and adults with depression reported at least some difficulty with work, home or social activities (Brody & Hughes, 2025). Depression shapes school performance, job stability, parenting and relationships. It is not a private inconvenience.
Depression Raises the Risk of Suicide
According to CDC data reported by NIMH, 49,316 people died by suicide in the United States in 2023, an age-adjusted rate of 14.1 per 100,000, making suicide the eleventh leading cause of death overall. In the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.5% of adults (14.3 million) reported serious thoughts of suicide in the past year and 0.8% (2.2 million) reported a suicide attempt (NIMH, n.d.-c). Suicide has many contributing causes, and depression is one of several. Because depression is both common and treatable, recognizing and treating it is a meaningful opportunity for prevention.
Depression Affects Physical Health
The association between depression and conditions such as heart disease and diabetes means that untreated depression can complicate the management of a person’s overall health. This is a central reason mental health care and primary care are best coordinated rather than separated.
Depression Costs the U.S. Economy Hundreds of Billions of Dollars
Greenberg et al. (2021) estimated that the economic burden of adults with major depressive disorder in the United States rose from $237 billion in 2010 to $326 billion in 2018. The estimate includes not only treatment costs but also depression-related workplace costs, the medical and workplace costs of coexisting conditions, and suicide-related costs.
Table 2. Consequences of depression and the treatment gap
| Indicator | Estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| People with depression reporting at least some difficulty with work, home or social activities | 87.9% | Brody & Hughes, 2025 |
| Suicide deaths, United States, 2023 | 49,316 (14.1 per 100,000) | NIMH, n.d.-c (CDC WISQARS) |
| Adults with serious suicidal thoughts, past year (2024) | 5.5% (14.3 million) | NIMH, n.d.-c (NSDUH) |
| Economic burden of adult major depressive disorder, 2018 | $326 billion | Greenberg et al., 2021 |
| People with depression who received counseling or therapy, past 12 months | 39.3% | Brody & Hughes, 2025 |
| Adults with any mental illness who received mental health treatment (2024) | 52.1% | SAMHSA, 2025 |
| Adolescents with a major depressive episode who received mental health treatment (2024) | 60.6% | SAMHSA, 2025 |
The Treatment Gap: Why Many Americans Go Without Care
Despite the scale of the problem, many people with depression do not receive care. NCHS found that only 39.3% of people with depression had received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in the previous 12 months, 43.0% of females and 33.2% of males (Brody & Hughes, 2025). That measure excludes medication. SAMHSA’s 2024 survey found that 52.1% of adults with any mental illness and 60.6% of adolescents with a major depressive episode received mental health treatment in the past year (SAMHSA, 2025). Put differently, roughly 48% of adults with a mental illness and about 39% of adolescents with major depression did not.
Because depression is most prevalent where household income is lowest, affordability is not a peripheral concern. Barriers such as cost, stigma and limited access to clinicians are widely discussed in the literature, although the surveys cited here do not measure them directly.
What Effective Depression Treatment Looks Like
NIMH identifies three established approaches to treating depression: medications, talk therapy (including telehealth and online options) and brain stimulation therapies. Research is under way to determine which approach “will work best for a specific person” and to improve care for treatment-resistant depression, meaning depression that does not improve after multiple treatment options (NIMH, n.d.-a).
The practical implication is that no single approach fits everyone. Careful assessment, a personalized plan and regular follow-up so that treatment can be adjusted are essential. Because depression frequently coexists with other physical and mental health conditions, coordination with primary care also matters.
How Xander Mental Health Clinic in Dallas, TX Can Help
Xander Mental Health Clinic provides cost-effective, personalized mental health and primary care in Dallas, TX. Our medical professionals are readily available to assess your mental health needs, and our mission is to deliver excellent, affordable and attentive care to individuals and families in the community.
Depression Care at Xander Mental Health Clinic
- A thorough assessment to understand your symptoms, history and goals.
- A personalized treatment plan that may include counseling, medication management when appropriate, or both.
- Follow-up visits to monitor your progress and adjust care as your needs change.
- Coordinated care, with primary care, laboratory services and physicals available through the same clinic.
- Support for related concerns, including anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD.
Learn more on our depression care page or explore all of our mental health services.
How to Get Started
- Reach out through our intake form or call 945-297-6410.
- Meet with a member of our team, who will listen and assess your needs.
- Begin a personalized plan, with follow-up to keep you on track.
Visit Us in Dallas, TX
Xander Mental Health Clinic, 8035 E RL Thornton Fwy, Suite 452, Dallas, TX 75228. Phone: 945-297-6410 or 214-235-1687. We serve Dallas, TX and nearby counties. Contact us for directions and hours.
Take the first step toward feeling better. Our team in Dallas, TX will listen, assess your needs and build a personalized plan with you. Set an appointment or call 945-297-6410.
When to Seek Help for Depression
Consider scheduling an evaluation if low mood, loss of interest, hopelessness or changes in sleep, appetite or energy persist for two weeks or longer or begin to interfere with work, school or relationships. Asking early is appropriate, and a visit does not commit you to any particular treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In a life-threatening situation, call 911. This website is not for emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression
How common is depression in the United States?
About 1 in 8 people aged 12 and older, or 13.1%, had depression between August 2021 and August 2023, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Rates were higher among females (16.0%) than males (10.1%) and highest among ages 12 to 19 (19.2%).
Is depression a real medical condition?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as a medical illness whose symptoms can be severe and can disrupt sleep, eating and work. Genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors all play a role.
What are the signs of depression?
Common signs include low mood or emptiness on most days, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep, appetite or energy, feelings of hopelessness or guilt, and trouble concentrating. Symptoms lasting two weeks or longer, or interfering with daily life, deserve a professional evaluation.
Can depression be treated?
Yes. NIMH identifies three established approaches: medications, talk therapy and brain stimulation therapies. A clinician can help determine which approach is best for you and adjust your plan over time.
Where can I get depression treatment in Dallas, TX?
Xander Mental Health Clinic provides personalized mental health care at 8035 E RL Thornton Fwy, Suite 452, Dallas, TX 75228. Call 945-297-6410 or complete the intake form on our website to request an appointment.
When should I call or text 988?
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.
Notes on the Data
- The two main surveys measure different things. The NCHS figures use a PHQ-9 symptom score, which is a screening measure and not a diagnosis. The NSDUH figures reflect past-year major depressive episodes. The estimates should not be added together or compared directly.
- NIMH cautions that NSDUH estimates for 2021 are not comparable with those for earlier years because of changes in data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic (NIMH, n.d.-b).
- Survey data are self-reported, and the figures are national estimates. They are not specific to Dallas or Texas.
- Statistics were checked against the cited sources on October 23, 2026. This article is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
References
Brody, D. J., & Hughes, J. P. (2025). Depression prevalence in adolescents and adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023 (NCHS Data Brief No. 527). National Center for Health Statistics. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc/174579
Greenberg, P. E., Fournier, A.-A., Sisitsky, T., Simes, M., Berman, R., Koenigsberg, S., & Kessler, R. C. (2021). The economic burden of adults with major depressive disorder in the United States (2010 and 2018). PharmacoEconomics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40273-021-01019-4
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.-a). Depression. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.-b). Major depression [Statistics]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.-c). Suicide [Statistics]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Mental health treatment among people who had a mental health condition in the past year (NSDUH Population Statistics Reports, Vol. 1, No. 7). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56771/2024-nsduh-psr7-mhtx-adult-adol.pdf
Xander Mental Health Clinic | 8035 E RL Thornton Fwy, Suite 452, Dallas, TX 75228 | 945-297-6410. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.