Americans’ Mental Health at New Lows With Young Adults Ranking Worst

Americans are rating their mental health at an all-time low, including nearly one-in-five young adults who describe their mental health as “poor,” according to a new poll released Wednesday. 

Overall, three-fourths of Americans say their mental health is “good” or “excellent,” which is the lowest number on record for Gallup. The polling outlet has conducted an annual mental health survey since 2001. In 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, 85% of Americans described their mental health as good or excellent.

Adults ages 18-34 had the worst mental health out of any age group, with 27% saying their mental health is “only fair” and 19% saying it is poor. 

The poll also showed that higher household income is associated with higher levels of happiness. 

While 87% of people in households making over $100,000 a year say they have excellent or good mental health, 65% of people in homes making less than $40,000 a year said the same.

The Gallup poll was conducted with 1,020 U.S. adults from Nov. 9-Dec. 2, and has a margin of error of 4%.

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