Are young or older people more likely to become depressed?

Both young and older adults face unique challenges that increase their susceptibility to depression when examining age-related risks for depression.

However, the data shows that younger adults, particularly adolescents and those in their 20s and 30s, tend to have higher reported rates of depression compared to older adults. The report is important here, since that means that older adults may underreport their rates of depression, although that’s certainly no guarantee.

Let’s find out why this disparity exists, what factors make each age group vulnerable to depression, and how depression manifests differently across age groups.

Young Adults: Higher rates of depression and contributing factors

• Psychosocial and environmental stressors

• • Academic and career pressures

Young adults, especially those in high school, college, or early career stages, often experience intense pressure to succeed academically and professionally.

My 20s and early 30s were defined by a dissatisfaction with where I was professionally and figuring out what career to pursue.

These societal expectations to excel, compete, and establish themselves can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Career uncertainties, student debt, and limited job prospects can further amplify this mental strain.

• • Social comparison and peer pressure

Adolescence and early adulthood are developmental stages characterized by a strong need for social acceptance.

Social media worsens these pressures by creating constant comparisons and exposing young adults to idealized versions of others’ lives.

This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and low self-esteem, all of which are known risk factors for depression.

• Biological and developmental changes

• • Brain development

The brain undergoes significant development during adolescence and early adulthood, particularly in impulse control, emotional regulation, and risk assessment.

This period of brain plasticity can make young adults more emotionally reactive and less equipped to manage intense feelings, which may increase vulnerability to depression.

• • Hormonal fluctuations

Adolescents and young adults experience significant hormonal changes that can impact mood.

Puberty, menstrual cycles, and other reproductive changes occur during this time and introduce fluctuations in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are important for regulating our mood.

• Identity development and life transitions

• • Establishing identity and independence

Adolescence and young adulthood are times of self-discovery and identity formation.

The struggle to understand oneself, establish a sense of purpose, and navigate personal values can be emotionally taxing and contribute to a feeling of “identity crisis.”

These feelings of uncertainty, combined with the desire for independence, can create confusion and depressive symptoms.

• • Life transitions and adjustments

This is a period when major transitions typically happen.

Think of events such as moving away from home, entering college, starting a job, or forming new relationships.

These changeful times can trigger stress and adjustment challenges. Young adults often face these transitions with limited coping mechanisms or support systems due to a lack of experience, which makes them more prone to depression.

• Exposure to modern-day issues

• • Technology and social media influence

Technology is evolving quickly and is prevalent in these modern days.

Social media platforms play a prominent role in young adults’ lives. Excessive social media use has been linked to feeling more isolated, envious, and depressed.

Even though I would say I’m not that influenced by those around me, I still noticed that I would sometimes stare in awe at other people’s seemingly flawless lives. And even though that might be the case for a small minority of them, social media tends to portray an inaccurate and perfect image. That’s obviously not the case in our everyday life.

Additionally, exposure to online bullying or cyber harassment can contribute to poor mental health outcomes as well.

• • Global issues and “eco-anxiety”

Young people today are exposed to news and discussions around climate change, political instability, economic uncertainty, and other global challenges.

We’re connected with the whole world through the internet and media, and can follow what’s happening everywhere.

While this may make us more informed in some instances, it can also create a sense of hopelessness or “eco-anxiety,” where the future seems bleak, contributing to negative sensations such as helplessness and sadness.

• Increased exposure to negative news and “doomscrolling”

• • Constant access to negative content

We have unparalleled access to information today, much of which centers around crises, violence, and global problems.

“Doomscrolling,” or the habit of consuming large amounts of negative news, has been linked to experiencing more negative emotions.

The nonstop influx of unsettling news can overwhelm us if we haven’t fully developed our coping mechanisms yet.

• Higher sensitivity to rejection and relationship challenges
  
  
  • Romantic and social relationships

Young adults often place high value on social and romantic relationships, which is why setbacks in these areas can be particularly painful.

Breakups, friendship conflicts, or rejection are known triggers for depressive episodes and can be especially intense for those who are still building their self-worth and mental resilience.

• Difficulty accessing mental health resources

• • Barriers to treatment

Although there is a lot more openness around mental health among younger generations, barriers to accessing mental health services still exist.

Long wait times, high costs, and a lack of access to mental health providers can prevent young adults from receiving help when they need it the most, worsening depressive symptoms over time.

Older Adults: Unique depression risks and contributing factors

Although young adults generally have higher rates of diagnosed depression, older people are also vulnerable to depression, especially in later life stages.

However, depression often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated in those who are older, with one of the reasons being that symptoms can be mistaken for other age-related issues.

Here are some key reasons why they may develop depression:

• Physical health decline and chronic illness

• • Chronic conditions and pain

People are more likely to experience chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis as they age.

These health issues can lead to chronic pain, physical limitations, and reduced quality of life, all of which are significant risk factors for depression.

• • Medication side effects

Older adults are more likely to be on multiple medications for various health conditions, and certain medications have side effects that include mood disturbances.

This can lead to or intensify depressive symptoms, especially when combined with other health struggles.

• Loss and grief
  
  
  • Bereavement and loneliness

Aging individuals are more likely to experience the loss of loved ones, including spouses, family members, and friends.

This natural increase in losing people who are dear to us can lead to sadness, isolation, and despair.

Additionally, loneliness can become more pronounced as social circles shrink since there are fewer people to turn to and socialize with.

• • Loss of purpose

Retirement and the “empty nest” phase often go together with a loss of purpose or productivity, increasing the risk of depression.

Many people find meaning in productive activities such as work, family, or community involvement. They may feel a void or lack of direction when these roles diminish.

• Cognitive decline and mental health issues

• • Cognitive impairment

Depression can be mistaken for or coexist with cognitive decline, such as mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.

Losing these functions of our mind can create a sense of helplessness and frustration, as well as fear about losing independence.

• • “Vascular depression” hypothesis

Some researchers propose a “vascular depression” theory, which suggests that blood vessel changes or reduced blood flow to certain areas of the brain in older adults may contribute to depressive symptoms.

This type of depression is often associated with physical symptoms, cognitive slowing, and poor response to standard antidepressant treatments.

This poor response may be due to the problem being a genetic/biological issue that’s hard to solve with medication or therapy.

• Social isolation and reduced social engagement

• • Limited social support networks

Social networks often decrease due to retirement, relocation, or the loss of friends and family as people become older.

Limited social interaction can lead to social isolation, especially for those who live alone or have limited mobility.

• • Difficulty adjusting to retirement

For some, retirement brings a welcome sense of freedom. But others feel useless, isolated, and like they have no purpose anymore.

Adjusting to this new stage of life can be challenging for those whose identity is closely tied to their career

• Ageism and social marginalization
  
  
  • Feeling devalued or ignored

Society often places high value on youth, vitality, and productivity, which can lead older adults to feel devalued or marginalized.

Experiencing ageism or feeling that their contributions are no longer valued can make one feel worthless and frustrated.

These experiences can affect self-esteem and increase the risk of depression.

• Stigma and underreporting of depression in older adults

• • Reluctance to acknowledge symptoms

Older adults grew up in a time when mental health issues were more stigmatized, which is why many may feel uncomfortable acknowledging or seeking help for depression.

Instead, they might report typical physical symptoms like fatigue or poor sleep, without discussing their emotional struggles, leading to underdiagnosis.

• • Diagnostic overlap with other aging issues

Depression in the aging population can manifest in ways that mimic aging-related issues, such as memory problems, decreased energy, and reduced motivation.

This overlap can make it harder for healthcare providers to recognize depression since symptoms may be attributed to normal aging.

• Financial stress and limited income
  
  
  • Living on a fixed income

Many older adults live on a fixed income from pensions, savings, or Social Security, which may not fully cover living expenses.

That’s much more present these days with inflation and rising healthcare costs.

Financial worries can create ongoing stress and trigger depression, particularly for those who are used to being more financially secure in their working years.

• Fear of mortality and existential concerns

• • Awareness of life’s finite nature

People often confront mortality more directly as they age. Be it due to health issues or the loss of peers.

This heightened existential awareness can create negative sensations, especially if the person has unresolved issues or regrets.

For some, facing their mortality without a clear sense of purpose or fulfillment can contribute to psychological issues.

Comparing depression risk across age groups

• Young adults are at higher risk due to:

• • Social and academic pressures, particularly in an era of increased social media influence and career competition.

• • Hormonal fluctuations and brain development during adolescence and early adulthood.

• • Challenges related to identity formation, relationship conflicts, and life transitions.

• • Sensitivity to global and environmental anxieties.

• Older adults are vulnerable due to:

• • Chronic illnesses, pain, and physical decline, which can impact mood and quality of life.

• • Social isolation and reduced social engagement following retirement or the loss of loved ones.

• • Cognitive decline and other age-related conditions that contribute to symptoms of depression.

• • Cultural stigma around mental health leads to underreporting and misdiagnosis.

Summary

While younger adults statistically have higher rates of diagnosed depression, older adults also face important dangers, though their depression is often underrecognized.

Young adults face pressures related to identity formation, social comparison, career concerns, and emotional development, while older adults face challenges related to health decline, loss, loneliness, and lack of purpose.

Both groups require support and understanding tailored to their unique issues with an emphasis on mental health care that addresses these age-specific needs and challenges.

Please consider joining our forum and Facebook if you enjoyed reading this and would like to chat with like-minded peers about anything depression related.

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