An estimated 32% of adults in Logan County, West Virginia, have been diagnosed with depression — the highest rate in the United States and nearly double the national rate, according to a report released in June by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study, which provided estimates by county based on a national survey of nearly 400,000 people conducted in 2020, showed depression rates varied widely by region and even within states. Most counties with the highest rates were in a 13-state swath of Appalachia; the southern Mississippi River Valley, particularly Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee; and Missouri, Oklahoma, and Washington. The states with the lowest rates included California, Illinois, Alaska, and Hawaii. West Virginia, which also has some of the nation’s highest rates of poverty and poor health, is home to eight of the 10 counties with the highest estimated rates of adult depression, the CDC survey found.

About 5% of adults globally have depression. That number is likely even higher as not everyone who has depression obtains an official diagnosis. To draw awareness to the state of mental health in the U.S. and around the world, we’ve gathered some statistics about depression. The numbers shed light on the fact that certain population groups are disproportionately affected by depression, including women and Black and Latinx communities. Reading through the statistics surrounding depression may hopefully help foster a better sense of understanding about either your own mental health or that of a friend or loved one. Ultimately, the numbers show you are not alone if you are living with depression.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders across the globe, impacting an estimated 5% of adults worldwide. In the U.S., that number may be even higher, with 14.8 million, or 6%, of adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode in the past year, according to a 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Support groups tailored to individuals living with depression can be a particularly beneficial treatment option—especially given their ability to help combat social isolation and foster community. In this article, we explore the differences between therapy and support groups, the advantages of participating in a depression support group and provide guidance on how to find a support group suitable for you or a loved one dealing with depression.