Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) Data Guide Mental & Emotional Health

Ever Had Depression

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System respondents were asked, “Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional EVER told you that you have a depressive disorder (including depression, major depression, dysthymia, or minor depression)?” Responses were grouped into two categories: Yes and No.

Ever Had Depression data available: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Related Indicators: Mentally Unhealthy Days in Past 30 Days

Mentally Unhealthy Days in Past 30 Days

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System respondents were asked, “Now thinking about your mental health, which includes stress, depression, and problems with emotions, for how many days during the past 30 days was your mental health not good?” Responses were grouped into three categories: None, 1-13 Days, and 14+ Days.

Mentally Unhealthy Days in Past 30 Days data available: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Related Indicators: Physically Unhealthy Days in Past 30 Days and Ever Had Depression

Defined based on

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health-related quality of life surveillance—United States, 1993–2002. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2005;54(No. SS-4):2–3, 14.