Mental Health in America: Understanding the Decline

For the first time in over two decades, fewer than 30% of Americans describe their mental health as "excellent." This isn't just a statistic, it represents millions of people struggling with their emotional wellbeing. Just six years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of us felt confident about our mental health.¹ Today, that number has fallen to 29%.¹

The pandemic appears to have been a turning point. While mental health ratings remained stable from 2001 through 2019, they dropped sharply in 2020 and haven't recovered.¹ This decline affects everyone, but some groups are experiencing it more intensely than others.

Who's Struggling Most?

Young adults are facing the greatest challenges. Generation Z and millennials have seen their "excellent" mental health ratings drop by about 15 points each since the pandemic began.¹ Today, only 23% of Gen Z and 28% of millennials rate their mental health as excellent.¹

College graduates have also experienced significant declines, 17 points lower than before the pandemic.¹ Interestingly, educated individuals who once enjoyed better mental health ratings now face similar challenges as those without college degrees.¹

Breaking Down Barriers to Care

There's good news amid these concerning trends: more people are seeking help. Twenty-four percent of adults visited a mental health professional in the past year, up from just 11% in 2001.¹,² Young adults lead this effort, with 36% of Gen Z adults accessing mental health services.²

This increase suggests that stigma around mental health is decreasing. Today's young adults grew up in a time when discussing mental health struggles became more acceptable.¹ Employers, healthcare providers, and government institutions are emphasizing emotional wellbeing in ways previous generations never experienced.

Why Are We Struggling?

Several factors contribute to declining mental health. The pandemic disrupted our normal routines, isolated us from loved ones, and created lasting uncertainty.¹ Young adults who entered adulthood during lockdowns may have been especially affected by these restrictions.¹

Financial stress also weighs heavily. Sixty-three percent of Americans worry about affording medical care, with 47% concerned they won't have enough money for healthcare expenses.² These financial pressures create additional anxiety that compounds existing mental health challenges.

Moving Forward Together

While these trends are concerning, increased awareness and help-seeking behavior offer hope. We're talking about mental health more openly, accessing services more readily, and recognizing that emotional wellbeing matters as much as physical health.

If you're struggling, know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talk to your health care provider about mental health resources available to you. Many communities offer affordable counseling services, and telehealth has made accessing care easier than ever.

Your mental health matters. Take the first step today by talking to a healthcare provider about how you're feeling.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe the mental health crisis requires more than awareness. Our model moves beyond trial-and-error psychiatry by combining objective brain-based insights, evidence-driven treatment, and whole-person care to address root causes, not just symptoms. We are here if you need us.

References

1. Jones JM. U.S. Mental Health Ratings Continue to Worsen. Gallup. Published December 18, 2025.

2. Gallup Poll Social Series: Health and Healthcare - Final Topline. Gallup. November 3-25, 2025.