A recent Gallup survey has unveiled a concerning trend in Americans’ perceptions of their own health, with both mental and physical well-being reaching their lowest points in nearly 25 years[3].
According to the poll results released on Thursday, only 31% of Americans now describe their mental health as ‘excellent’, while just 24% rate their physical health as ‘excellent'[3]. These figures represent a significant decline from previous years and accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Findings
Mental Health Decline
- Only 31% of respondents rated their mental health as ‘excellent’
- Overall, 75% still described their mental health as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’
- The decline began accelerating at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
Physical Health Concerns
- Merely 24% of Americans rated their physical health as ‘excellent’
- 76% described their physical health as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’
- The lowest point for physical health ratings was recorded in 2023
Historical Context
The survey reached its nadir in 2022 when the number of Americans rating their mental health as ‘excellent’ dropped to 31%[3]. For physical health, the lowest point came in 2023 with only 24% reporting ‘excellent’ health[3].
These findings paint a sobering picture of the nation’s health landscape, suggesting that the impacts of recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, may have had lasting effects on Americans’ well-being.
Implications
The declining health perceptions among Americans could have far-reaching consequences for public health policy, healthcare systems, and social services. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both mental and physical health concerns on a national scale.
As the country continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic and other societal challenges, these survey results serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and wellness initiatives at both individual and community levels.
References:
- https://www.psypost.org/exclusive/mentalhealth/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/bipolar-disorder
- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/news/2025/mar/mental-health-wellbeing-projects-highlighted-ucls-brain-awareness-week-campaign
- https://wellbeings.org/mental-health-news-roundup/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates
- https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/international-parental-mental-health-awareness-week-2025/
- https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/mental-health-statistics/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/mental_health/
- https://calendar.lr.edu/event/mental-health-awareness-week
- https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250317/Study-finds-link-between-mental-health-symptoms-and-increased-nicotine-use-in-youth.aspx
- https://www.ama-assn.org/about/publications-newsletters/top-news-stories-ama-morning-rounds-week-march-10-2025
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/mental_health/
- https://www.va.gov/marion-health-care/stories/eating-disorder-awareness-week-the-time-is-now/
- https://economictimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-news-trump-derangement-syndrome-bill-republicans-declared-a-mental-illness-in-us-what-you-need-to-know/articleshow/119169092.cms
- https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-03-18-new-program-seeks-improve-mental-health-care-access-health-workers
- https://jamanetwork.com/collections/5871/psychiatry-and-behavioral-health
- https://www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2025/
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news
- https://namior.org/nami-statement-on-reported-cuts-to-samhsa/
- https://www.news-medical.net/condition/Mental-Health
