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In a recent report, the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics or NCHS emphasized the heightened vulnerability to depression among adults living alone. 

Based on data gathered during the 2021 National Health Interview Survey, involving over 29,400 participants, the study revealed that 6.4% of solitary dwellers reported experiencing depression, contrasting with 4.1% of those in shared accommodations. This included various demographic considerations such as gender, age, income levels and racial background.

The prevalence of single-person households has surged significantly over the last five decades, with 16% of U.S. adults living alone at the time of the survey. This marks a substantial increase from previous years, with 37.9 million individuals living independently in 2022, a rise of 4.8 million since 2012. Notably, the proportion of single-person households more than doubled from 13.6% in 1962 to 28.9% in 2022.

Impact of economic factors

Economic factors appeared to increase the feelings of depression among people who live alone. Individuals with incomes below the federal poverty line exhibited a heightened likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms, regardless of their living arrangements. However, the report highlights that the majority of those living alone -- over 90% -- did not report feelings of depression.

Role of social and emotional support

The study also emphasizes the importance of social and emotional support, regardless of living circumstances. Adults who lived alone and perceived a deficiency in social and emotional support were nearly twice as likely to experience depression compared to those receiving adequate support, regardless of living arrangements. This is reflective of past studies involving the link between social isolation and depression.

While acknowledging the potential for social isolation among those living alone, the report also covered the protective influence of engagement in work or communities and access to social networks. However, the study also cautions against oversimplifying the relationship between living arrangements and mental health since there are varied reasons for living alone.