Research reference

U.S. women’s mental well-being statistics

A practical, source-led snapshot of mental well-being, anxiety, depression, and support in the United States. Built for writers, educators, and anyone looking for reliable context.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Figures are reported as published by the original source.

A careful look at the numbers

Mental well-being is shaped by many personal, social, and practical factors. These figures do not tell any one person’s story, and they are not a tool for diagnosis. They offer a clear starting point for understanding the wider context around the experiences many women and families are navigating.

26.4%

of U.S. adult women had any mental illness in 2022.

That compares with 19.7% of men. The National Institute of Mental Health defines this measure as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that can range in impact.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health, 2022

36.2%

of U.S. adults ages 18–25 had any mental illness in 2022.

This was the highest age group in the NIMH estimate, compared with 29.4% of adults ages 26–49 and 13.9% of adults 50 and older.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health, 2022

12%

of U.S. adults regularly reported feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety in 2024.

The CDC’s measure refers to adults who regularly reported these feelings, not a clinical diagnosis.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024

21.4%

of U.S. adults had symptoms of depression in the prior two weeks in 2022.

In the same national survey, 18.2% had symptoms of anxiety. The report found symptom levels were higher among women than men.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2022

16.9%

of U.S. adult women received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in 2024.

The comparable figure for men was 10.9%. Across all adults, 14.0% received counseling or therapy in the past 12 months.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2024

1 in 8

women with a recent live birth reported symptoms of postpartum depression.

This CDC figure describes reported symptoms, not a diagnosis. It is one reminder that support needs can change during and after pregnancy.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024

Methodology and sources

How this page is kept useful

Every figure above comes from a named U.S. public-health source and links to the original publication or dataset. We use the source’s own wording for what each figure measures, including whether it describes symptoms, a diagnosis, or use of care. This page is reviewed regularly, and figures are replaced when a newer comparable source is available.

Cite this page

Soulful Heart Balance. “U.S. Women’s Mental Well-Being Statistics.” Updated October 16, 2026. https://soulfulheartbalance.com/wellbeing-statistics

Looking for a more personal place to begin?

Explore gentle, body-centered support for the transitions, patterns, and questions asking for your attention.

Explore somatic coaching