Youth in America have high rates of mental health concerns, survey finds

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According to a new survey by the Kaiser Family Fund and CNN, American youth are struggling with their mental health. The research, which was based on a poll of more than 2,000 American adults, finds that young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are more likely to report a range of mental health issues than those aged 30 and older. For instance, while only 19% of adults 30+ report their mental health was fair or poor, that number nearly doubled to 34% amongst those aged 18 to 29. Likewise, young adults report higher levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety than older adults, with more than half saying they often or always felt anxious over the past 12 months.

These mental health issues have inhibited young people’s ability to go about their daily lives. Some 35% of those aged 18 to 29 report a mental health condition has prevented them from carrying out work or other activities, according to the report. That number was more than double the figure of 16% for those 30 and older.