Mental Health & The American Dream

https://img.icons8.com/ios-filled/50/2980b9/info.png Introduction

This project examines the intersection of depression and the American Dream—how cultural narratives, socioeconomic pressures, and personal psychology interact to influence motivation, opportunity, and outcomes.

Use the “Key Topics” section to expand each area and the “Interactive Charts” section to explore data by income, gender, age, and trend.

Mental health—especially depression—significantly hinders people’s ability to pursue the American Dream. Symptoms like anhedonia, low confidence, fatigue, and sleep disruption reduce motivation and persistence, particularly under economic instability.

https://img.icons8.com/ios-filled/50/2980b9/view-details.png Key Topics (Collapsible)

https://img.icons8.com/ios-filled/50/2980b9/link.png 2. How Depression Intersects with the American Dream

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• Unrealistic Expectations: Constant success messaging fosters inadequacy when milestones aren’t met.
• Economic Stressors: Job insecurity, debt, and rising costs amplify anxiety and depressive symptoms.
• Social Comparison: Social media & cultural narratives drive comparison to idealized success.
• Isolation: Reduced motivation/energy hinders networking & opportunity pursuit—key to the Dream.

https://img.icons8.com/ios-filled/50/2980b9/brain.png 3. Psychological Effects

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• Internalized Failure: Self-blame for unmet goals worsens depressive symptoms.
• Burnout: Overwork to “make it” can result in chronic stress & depression.
• Identity Crisis: Material-tied success erodes self-worth when finances struggle.

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• Inequality: Systemic barriers make the Dream less attainable, widening mental health disparities.
• Generational Shifts: Many younger people feel the Dream is “broken,” elevating hopelessness & depression rates.

Income Effect Gender Differences Age Pattern Trend (Past Decade)

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Key Statistics (from your brief): Overall prevalence: 13.1% (U.S. adolescents & adults, any two-week period, 2021–2023).
Income effect: Below poverty level: 22.1% vs. ≥400% FPL: 7.4%.
Gender: Females: 16.0%, Males: 10.1%.
Age: Adolescents (12–19): 19.2% vs. Adults 60+: 8.7%.
Trend: Prevalence increased ~60% over the past decade.