Living Alone Increases Risk of Depression, CDC Study Finds
A recent report released by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has shed light on the impact of living alone on mental health. The study reveals that adults who live alone are more likely to experience feelings of depression compared to those who live with others. The findings were consistent across gender, age, income, and most racial groups.
The NCHS collected data during the 2021 National Health Interview Survey, speaking to over 29,400 individuals. At the time, 16% of adults in the United States were living alone, a percentage that has significantly increased over the past five decades. In 2022, a staggering 37.9 million people lived alone, marking a rise of 4.8 million from 2012. The percentage of single-person households more than doubled between 1962 and 2022, growing from 13.6% to 28.9%.
While the gap in depression rates was evident across various groups, economic factors seemed to exacerbate feelings of depression, particularly among those living alone. Adults with incomes below the federal poverty line were more likely to report feeling depressed, regardless of their living situation. However, those with higher incomes also experienced lower rates of depression, suggesting that financial stability can play a role in mental well-being.
Despite these concerning findings, the report also highlights that not all individuals who live alone experience depression. More than 90% of people living alone did not report feeling depressed. The study emphasizes that the key factor influencing mental health is the presence of social and emotional support. Researchers asked respondents about the frequency and intensity of their feelings of depression, as well as their access to social and emotional support. Adults who lived alone and reported never or rarely receiving support were nearly twice as likely to feel depressed compared to those who lived with others.
Interestingly, the report found no significant difference in depression rates among those who reported always, sometimes, or usually receiving social and emotional support, regardless of their living situation. This suggests that the quality of support received is more important than the living arrangement itself.
The study acknowledges that there are limitations to its findings. People may live alone for various reasons, such as personal choice, relationship breakdowns, or the loss of a spouse or partner. Furthermore, living with others does not guarantee good mental health. Previous research has shown that older adults living with relatives or non-relatives are more likely to experience adverse mental health effects compared to those living with a partner or spouse.
These findings come at a time when loneliness and isolation have become pressing public health concerns. The US surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has described it as an “epidemic,” and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness a global public health concern in 2023.
Depression is not the only health risk associated with loneliness and social isolation. The CDC highlights studies that link social isolation to a roughly 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease, and a 32% increased risk of stroke. On the other hand, close friendships have been found to enhance mental health and overall well-being, even contributing to longevity.
In conclusion, the CDC’s study underscores the impact of living alone on mental health, particularly in relation to depression. While the findings highlight the increased risk faced by individuals living alone, they also emphasize the importance of social and emotional support in mitigating these risks. It is crucial for society to address the growing issue of loneliness and isolation to promote better mental health outcomes for all individuals.
