Cleveland sees 60% rise in adult depression diagnoses

Mental health among adults in Cleveland has deteriorated over the past decade. LeAndra Martin, a mental health first aid trainer at Thea Bowman Center, teaches social service employees how to recognize and respond to mental health crises. Many of her students come from local institutions such as women’s shelters and job centers. Martin, who previously coached youth basketball, noticed an increasing need for mental health support among her players. After almost losing a player to a mental health crisis, she sought training to better assist others in similar situations.

Recent data indicates that the percentage of Cleveland adults diagnosed with depression rose by approximately 60% from 2015 to 2025. Young adults aged 18 to 34 reported the highest rates of depression among all age groups. According to Stephanie Pike Moore, an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University, this trend reflects a broader decline in mental health across the city over the last 20 years. She noted, “People are not doing well.”

The data, derived from a survey of around 1,500 residents across all 34 neighborhoods in Cleveland, indicates that while self-diagnoses may have contributed to the rise, the increase is primarily indicative of serious mental health challenges facing younger adults. The survey was conducted collaboratively by the Cleveland public health department and the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, reaching out to residents through 109,000 postcards.

Cleveland’s increase in depression rates aligns with national trends. A Gallup poll revealed that the rate of adults reporting a depression diagnosis increased by 10 percentage points from 2015 to 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic has been cited as a major factor, leading to increased isolation, particularly among young people. In Cleveland, adults under 50 reported feeling lonely more frequently than older adults. Only about 25% of those aged 18 to 34 stated they rarely or never feel lonely.

Martin observed that her young athletes emerged from the pandemic with diminished social skills, as they had limited face-to-face interactions and relied on texting. She found that encouraging written expression helped bridge the communication gap during meetings.

At a recent Cuyahoga County Council meeting, Cassie Park highlighted additional mental health initiatives, including funding for the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program set for 2025. Despite the pressing need for early childhood mental health resources, funding remains limited. The survey results showed that Cleveland’s depression rates exceed those of both Ohio and the national average.

Cassey Fye, a licensed social worker and program director at the Cleveland chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, emphasized that unmet needs can exacerbate depression symptoms. With Cleveland having one of the highest poverty rates among major U.S. cities, many residents struggle to maintain stable housing and employment. Fye stated, “Poverty breeds hopelessness.”

Violence and trauma are also prevalent stressors in Cleveland. Gwen Davis, leader of the youth advocacy group ICONS, noted the mental health impact of violence in local schools. She pointed out the lack of immediate support following traumatic incidents, stating that grief counseling is often absent in the wake of neighborhood violence.

Despite these challenges, increased depression diagnoses may reflect a growing willingness to seek help and reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues. Fye observed that attendance at NAMI support groups has increased significantly over the past three years. The helpline connecting residents to mental health resources reported double the contacts in 2024 compared to 2021. More primary care physicians are now conducting routine depression screenings during check-ups, contributing to the rise in diagnosed cases.

Jerome Cash, a licensed professional counselor, noted a cultural shift among both youth and adults toward openness in discussing mental health. He leads a discussion series for Black men and provides programming in high schools. Cash remarked on the vulnerability exhibited by students at Glenville High School, who openly share their daily struggles and family issues.

Movies and social media have played a role in normalizing conversations about mental health. Martin’s training encourages proactive discussions about mental well-being among her students. However, she stressed the need for accessible mental health resources to support those seeking help. “It’s great that we’re talking about it, but we need to ensure there are resources available when people need assistance,” she concluded.