America is grappling with profound unhappiness, ranking 23rd on Gallup’s list of the happiest nations, a significant drop from 15th place the previous year. This downward feeling spans all age groups but is most pronounced among individuals under 30 despite their deep engagement with new media. 

Across the board, Americans are battling feelings of financial strain and emotional distress, contributing to an increasing number thinking about moving abroad. This sentiment is worsened by a broader worry about the country’s direction, from education to politics, creating displeasure at its lowest since 2017.

The startling numbers in the Gallup poll were that this feeling of unhappiness is both a political issue and a mental health crisis. UCLA Health found that over 20 percent of teens are seriously considering suicide, and the National Institute of Health finds that anxiety affects one in five adults. 

Political division and the COVID-19 pandemic further aggravated this stress by intensifying feelings of disconnection and loneliness.