October Health – 2025 Report

Depression in United States

There isn’t a single cause; at the population level, the strongest and most consistent risk factor for depressive symptoms in the United States is economic hardship—poverty, ongoing financial stress, and unemployment/underemployment. - Other major drivers include chronic stress and trauma exposure (such as adverse childhood experiences and discrimination) and social isolation or weak social support. Workplace implication: address these with financial wellness programs, supportive policies, and accessible mental health resources (e.g., October group sessions).

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Depression Prevalence
26.53%
Affected people
14,591,500

Impact on the people of United States

Effects of high depression-related stress on health and personal life

Health effects

  • Sleep disruption and chronic fatigue
  • Appetite and weight changes
  • Higher risk of physical illness and slower recovery
  • Cognitive and mood changes (poor concentration, persistent sadness/anxiety)

Personal life effects

  • Strained relationships and communication difficulties
  • Social withdrawal and reduced involvement in activities
  • Challenges with parenting/caregiving and self-care routines

Workplace and daily functioning

  • Lower productivity, concentration, and decision-making
  • Increased absenteeism or presenteeism; more mistakes
  • Strained teamwork and more conflicts

What you can do

  • Seek professional help (therapist, doctor) and follow recommended treatments
  • Build a support network and talk to someone you trust
  • Prioritize sleep, regular meals, and gentle physical activity; establish small daily routines
  • Utilize workplace supports and digital resources (e.g., October for group sessions, assessments, and mental health content)

Urgent help

  • If you’re thinking about harming yourself or cannot keep yourself safe, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Impact on the United States Economy

  • Productivity and output: In the United States, depression and high work-related stress reduce productivity through absenteeism and presenteeism, lowering overall economic output and GDP growth.

  • Labor market dynamics: Higher turnover, longer vacancy periods, recruitment costs, and reduced labor force participation among workers with persistent depressive symptoms.

  • Health care and social costs: Increased medical and mental health care use, medications, and disability benefits, leading to higher health insurance costs and public spending.

  • Demand and innovation: Weaker consumer spending and hesitancy to invest in new ventures can dampen economic growth and slow innovation.

  • Mitigation: Evidence-based workplace mental health investments can reduce these costs. Consider programs like October for digital group sessions, assessments, and content; alongside early screening, flexible work arrangements, and supportive leadership.

What can government do to assist?

United States: National strategies to lower depression and stress

  • Ensure universal access to affordable mental health care with parity, integrated into primary care and expanded telehealth options.

  • Expand prevention and early intervention: routine mental health screening, school-based counselors, perinatal mental health programs, and community outreach.

  • Reduce economic and housing stress: raise the minimum wage, strengthen unemployment insurance and income supports, and increase affordable housing and subsidized child care.

  • Strengthen workplace mental health: mandated paid leave, flexible work arrangements, employer coverage for mental health services, and scalable digital options (e.g., October) for group sessions and assessments.

  • Promote education and reduce stigma: national mental health literacy campaigns, targeted outreach to high-risk groups, and culturally competent services.

  • Invest in data, equity, and accountability: robust national mental health surveillance, funded research on effective interventions, and programs tailored for underserved communities (rural, racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+).

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Normalize mental health and reduce stigma

    • Leadership openly discusses mental health; promote mental health days; ensure privacy and confidentiality.

  • Design work to reduce depressive symptoms

    • Manageable workloads, predictable schedules, flexible/remote options, clear priorities.

  • Provide accessible, confidential mental health resources

    • EAP and therapy coverage; paid time for appointments; integrate October digital group sessions, assessments, and content into benefits.

  • Implement proactive mental health programs

    • Voluntary screenings/assessments; psychoeducation; targeted resources and group sessions via October.

  • Train managers and build support networks

    • Manager training on recognizing depression and having supportive conversations; establish peer support/buddy systems.