Gagné T, et al. - In view of a lack of studies examining the correlation between employment and trends in mental health among young adults across economic contexts in more recent years, researchers herein investigated the correlation of short-term (<1 year) and long-term (1+ year) out-of-work status with mental health across three recessions among young men and women ages 18–34, in order to better determine the burden of non-employment and mental distress in this age group. Gender-stratified estimates of frequent mental distress (FMD), out-of-work status, and their association through adjusted prevalence ratios were described across 27 cycles of the US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (1993–2019). Findings revealed a doubling of frequent mental distress in men and women aged 18–34 between 1993 and 2019. They indicated greater prevalence of unemployment and its strong association with distress among men. During this period, variation was observed in the association of long-term unemployment with distress. Its association was stronger and weaker during economic downturns and upturns, respectively.