American adults who live alone have a significantly higher risk of depression than adults who live with others. This is the conclusion of a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Experts analyzed data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey, which included responses from 29,482 participants.
Risk of social isolation
They found that 6.4% of adults living alone reported experiencing depression. This result was consistent across different demographics. Among adults living with others, 4.1% reported depression.
“People living alone may be at greater risk of social isolation and loneliness than those living with a spouse or partner, which can lead to higher mortality risks and negative health outcomes, including mental health. ,” the study authors wrote.
In this study, feelings of depression were defined as adults who reported feeling depressed “daily” or “weekly” either “often” or “for a little to a long time.” Ta. “Lots of time.”
a worrying trend
An alarming trend noted in this study is that the number of American adults living alone is increasing. This figure has increased by 14.5% over the past 10 years, from 33.1 million in 2012 to 37.9 million in 2022.
Single-person households will account for 28.9% of all U.S. households in 2022, a notable increase from 13.6% in 1962. The analysis further revealed that in 2021, 16% of U.S. adults will live alone, with a slight majority being women (51.9%).
effects of loneliness
The effects of isolation and loneliness have become a focus for public health experts, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated these conditions.
Loneliness is more than just feeling alone. This is a condition that can increase your risk for a myriad of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, addiction, suicide, dementia, and premature death.
But experts also caution against oversimplifying the relationship between living alone and experiencing depression. Factors such as personal choice, community involvement, and access to social and emotional support play important roles in determining the impact of loneliness on an individual's mental health.
Main findings
The study found large differences in depression rates by race and ethnicity, with Hispanic adults living alone having the highest rates of depression.
Income level also appears to influence the mental health of those living alone, with individuals with incomes below the federal poverty level reporting higher rates of depression compared to those with higher incomes.
social and emotional support
Notably, experts have found that older Americans, especially those 65 and older, make up the largest proportion of adults living alone. However, this group reported the lowest rates of depression.
This suggests that age may play a protective role against depression, perhaps along with lifelong coping mechanisms and social networks.
This study highlights the importance of social and emotional support in reducing feelings of depression in adults living alone. Those who received minimal support reported higher rates of depression compared to those who received consistent support.
public health crisis
The study comes at a critical time when loneliness is being recognized as a public health crisis. Earlier this month, San Mateo County, California, became the first county to declare loneliness a public health emergency.
“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been underestimated as a public health crisis that harms the health of individuals and society,” said Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General.
“Given the significant health impacts of loneliness and isolation, we have prioritized building social connections, just as we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity and substance use disorders. must be prioritized.”
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