Americans’ perceptions of their own mental health is worsening, reaching the lowest levels recorded in more than two decades. For the first time on record, fewer than 30% of U.S. adults now describe their mental health as “excellent,” according to the latest West Health–Gallup Healthcare survey.
Just six years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of Americans rated their mental health at the highest level. Today, only 29% say their mental health is excellent, while 43% describe it as good. Together, just 72% of adults rate their mental health as excellent or good — a new low.
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The Pandemic Marked a Turning Point
Mental health ratings remained remarkably stable from 2001 through 2019, with at least 42% of adults consistently reporting excellent mental health. That changed sharply in 2020, when the share fell to 34% amid the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, ratings have continued to slide across nearly all segments of the population.
Researchers comparing pre-pandemic data (2014–2019) with post-pandemic findings (2020–2025) found declines among every major demographic group. However, the drop has been most pronounced among younger adults and those with college degrees.
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Younger Generations Hit Hardest
Over the past six years, the percentage of Gen Z and millennial adults reporting excellent mental health has fallen by roughly 15 points in each group. That compares with an 11-point decline among Gen X adults and smaller decreases among baby boomers and the Silent Generation.
On average, only 23% of Gen Z adults and 28% of millennials now rate their mental health as excellent — far lower than the 34% or more seen among older generations.
College graduates have also experienced a sharper downturn. Their excellent mental health ratings are 17 points lower than before the pandemic, compared with a 10-point decline among adults without a college degree. As a result, mental health ratings between graduates and non-graduates are now nearly the same.
More Americans Are Seeking Mental Health Care
As self-reported mental health declines, Americans are increasingly turning to professionals for support. Nearly one in four adults (24%) say they visited a mental health professional in the past year, including 8% who did so more than 10 times.
The average number of mental health visits per adult has risen to 3.2 per year — a dramatic increase from just 1.1 visits in 2001.
Younger adults are leading this shift. More than one-third of Gen Z adults and nearly 30% of millennials report seeing a mental health professional in the past year, compared with just 7% among the Silent Generation.
Physical Health Has Remained More Stable
Unlike mental health, Americans’ assessments of their physical health have changed only modestly. Over the past six years, the percentage rating their physical health as excellent dipped slightly from 29% to 26%.
In the most recent survey, 25% of adults rated their physical health as excellent, while 52% said it was good. Physical health ratings remain strongest among younger adults and steadily decline with age — the opposite pattern seen in mental health trends.
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Trust in Doctors Varies by Age and Politics
Most Americans continue to visit medical doctors regularly, with 76% reporting a routine checkup in the past year. Trust in doctors’ advice remains fairly stable, though notable differences persist.
Older adults are significantly more likely to trust their physicians than younger adults, and Democrats are more inclined to trust medical advice without seeking second opinions compared with Republicans and independents.
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Bottom Line
After decades of stability, Americans’ mental health ratings have entered a period of sustained decline. The shift has been especially pronounced among younger generations, who are also the most likely to seek professional help.
Experts suggest that greater awareness, reduced stigma, and the lasting effects of pandemic-related disruption may all play a role. While physical health perceptions have remained relatively steady, mental and emotional wellbeing has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges facing the U.S. today.
News Desk news.uloscah.com