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American Unhappiness Soars: Depression Rates Double in Two Decades

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Arthur Brooks, in his upcoming book The Meaning of Your Life, says unhappiness among American adults more than doubled from 2000 to 2024.
Among adolescents, major depression symptoms tripled from 2005 to 2019.
Brooks notes that many strivers appear successful while growing more depressed and aimless.
After leaving academia in 2009, he observed a rise in students' mental health issues.

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Story summary

Arthur Brooks, in his upcoming book The Meaning of Your Life, says unhappiness among American adults more than doubled from 2000 to 2024.
Among adolescents, major depression symptoms tripled from 2005 to 2019.
Brooks notes that many strivers appear successful while growing more depressed and aimless.
After leaving academia in 2009, he observed a rise in students' mental health issues.