CDC Analysis Shows Increased Prevalence of Stress-Related Conditions Affecting Chronic Disease Management

Recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report publications document elevated rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among U.S. adults that exceed pre-pandemic baselines. The reports also note higher substance use and suicidal ideation in certain groups during 2020, with continued elevation in emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among youth into 2021. These patterns coincide with ongoing challenges in managing chronic conditions where stress plays a documented role.

What this means

The data point to sustained mental health burdens that extend beyond the acute phase of the pandemic. Disparities appear by age and race or ethnicity, with young adults and some minority groups showing larger shifts. Public health surveillance continues to track these indicators through repeated surveys and hospital records.

Key takeaways

• CDC MMWR reports found that 28.8% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression as of 2023, compared to approximately 11% pre-pandemic. [1]
• Young adults aged 18–29 reported the highest levels of adverse mental health symptoms, over 40%, while non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults showed higher rates than non-Hispanic White adults. [2]
• CDC surveys found 13.3% of respondents started or increased substance use and 10.7% seriously considered suicide in June 2020. [2]
• Weekly emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among adolescent girls were 50.6% higher in 2022 than in 2019. [3]
• Findings rely on self-reported data and U.S.-specific surveillance that may change with new collection cycles.

Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms

The first MMWR report tracked symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders from August 2020 through February 2021. Prevalence remained significantly higher than earlier national estimates. [1] Later updates placed the figure at 28.8% for adults in more recent periods.

Demographic Patterns

Young adults and specific racial or ethnic groups experienced larger increases. Adults aged 18 to 29 showed adverse mental health symptoms above 40%. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults reported elevated rates relative to non-Hispanic White adults. [2]

Substance Use and Suicidal Ideation

A separate analysis from June 2020 captured behavioral shifts. Roughly 13.3% of respondents indicated they had started or increased substance use. At the same time, 10.7% reported seriously considering suicide. [2]

Emergency Department Trends

A third report examined visits for suspected suicide attempts among persons aged 12–25 from 2019 through May 2021. Rates stayed higher than pre-pandemic levels, particularly among adolescent girls. [3]

Limitations

Most findings rest on self-reported survey data that may include recall or reporting biases. Prevalence rates can shift over time, and some datasets stop before 2023. Results apply to the United States and do not cover every population subgroup equally.

This article shares general insights drawn from public sources.

Last updated: September 7, 2026