About
The CDC Mental Health Data Channel uses recent data to tell the story of mental health and well-being in the U.S. This page provides data and resources on U.S. youth and adult feelings of loneliness as well as social connection and support. Data comes from surveys that represent youth and adults at the state and national levels and is available by age, sex, and race and ethnicity for recent years.
What to know
- Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, disconnected, or not close to others.1
- Social connection is the size and diversity of one's social network and roles, the functions these relationships serve, and their positive or negative qualities.2
- The majority of U.S. youth and adults say they always or usually get the social support that they need.
Get Help Now
In crisis? If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24/7/365 help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
Youth social and emotional support data **
National: Youth receiving social and emotional support
Felt they received the social and emotional support they needed **
Most recent 2021-2023 data shows 58% or 3 in 5 U.S. youth felt they received the social and emotional support they needed.
Adult social and emotional support data **
National: Adults receiving social and emotional support
Felt they received the social and emotional support they needed **
Most recent 2021 data shows 82% or 4 in 5 U.S. adults felt they received the social and emotional support they needed. The percentage was higher in 2021 than it was in 2020.
By state: Adults receiving social and emotional support
Adult social activity data **
National: Adults unable to participate in social activities due to health
Had difficulty participating in social activities due to health **
Most recent 2024 data shows 12% or 1 in 8 U.S. adults had difficulty participating in social activities due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition. Social activities included visiting friends, attending clubs and meetings, or going to parties.
Why it matters
- Social connection is key to well-being and overall life satisfaction.
- Strong social connections can protect both mental and physical health. Social connections can help us live longer, healthier lives and reduce the risk of chronic disease and mental distress.2
- A 2023 Surgeon General’s report highlights growing rates of loneliness and actions we can all take to increase and strengthen connections from youth to older adulthood.
What CDC Is Doing
Explore original data source tools
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Prevalence and Trends Tool displays data on health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. Toggle within the State & Territories or the Data by Topic dropdown menus to view these measures.
- National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) interactive dashboard displays data on anxiety, depression, and mental health care. Toggle within the topic dropdown in the tool to view these measures.
- NHIS-Teen interactive dashboard displays data on stressful life events, mental health care, bullying, and social and emotional support. Toggle within the topic dropdown in the tool to view these measures.
Keep Reading
Mental Health Data Sources
Content Source:
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
- CDC. (2024). Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. Retrieved on March 3, 2026 from https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html
- CDC. (2024). Social Connection. Retrieved on March 3, 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.html