Camilla Jessen
A new nationwide survey suggests Americans are taking a harder look at their emotional wellbeing.
A new Gallup survey shows that Americans’ confidence in their mental health has fallen to record lows.
Fewer than 30% of Americans now rate their mental health as excellent, the first time that figure has dipped below that threshold. Overall, 72% describe their mental health as good or excellent, the lowest share Gallup has recorded.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, at least 42% consistently said their mental health was excellent.
Decline may reflect honesty, not just worsening health
Despite the troubling trend, specialists say the shift isn’t entirely negative.
David Radley of the Commonwealth Fund said greater openness around mental health may mean people are simply more honest about difficulties.
“In a way, the fact that people are recognising and willing to talk about mental health issues is actually a good sign,” he said.
Dr Lisa Rosenthal, a psychiatrist at Northwestern University, agreed that the numbers may show falling stigma and rising awareness.
Social media and rising diagnoses
Online conversations about ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, PTSD and anxiety have helped many adults recognise longstanding symptoms. A Fair Health report shows mental-health diagnoses have climbed sharply since 2019.
Some conditions — such as depression and anxiety — may be linked to pandemic stress. Others, like ADHD and bipolar disorder, are lifelong and not tied to external events.
Radley and Rosenthal noted that wider social pressures, including political uncertainty and economic instability, are weighing heavily on Americans.
“Not all forms of unhappiness need treatment,” Rosenthal said. “Some reactions are normal, even when they are very unpleasant.”
Shifts across political and educational groups
Mental-health ratings have fallen most among groups that traditionally report higher wellbeing, including Republicans and college graduates.
Among Republicans, the share rating their mental health as excellent dropped from 53% (2014–2019) to 40% (2020–2025). College graduates saw a 17-point fall, to 36%. Their ratings now resemble those of non-graduates.
“I think it means we’re all pretty unhappy,” Rosenthal said.
Rising anger and disconnection
Rosenthal also pointed to deepening social divides: “There is so much anger that civility and discourse have been disrupted. Our sense of community and belonging has changed dramatically.”
Yet despite growing polarisation, the poll suggests Americans’ mental-health outcomes are converging.
“A lot of people feel like something bad is about to happen,” Radley said. “I don’t think this feeling is limited to any one group.”
Sources: Gallup, The Guardian, Commonwealth Fund, Fair Health.
