Today, toll on mental health is a very commonly seen factor. It may be because of one’s personal circumstances or the genes inherited from your parents and ancestors or because of the friends and company you keep or the environment you are brought up in.
This is a list of the top 10 depressing states with the worst rates of psychological distress in the U.S.A.
10. Arkansas
Arkansas is located in the southern part of the United States. Though it has produced famous and prominent personalities such as President Bill Clinton, war hero Douglas MacArthur, millionaire Sam Walton and sponsor of scholars, yet the state is generally depicted as backward and poor with a population that loves to play the banjo. Mental health seems to be affecting especially young adults.
9. Indiana
Indiana is situated in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the country. It hosts the annual Indy 500, a bunch of professional sports teams. It also hosts respected universities, including Notre Dame, Indiana University, Purdue, Butler and Valparaiso. It has a sluggish economy and high unemployment rate. The state’s regular budget always falls short. Well the state’s resident certainty does not seem to have a reason to smile.
8. Kentucky
Kentucky is located in the east south-central region of the country. This Bluegrass State has the longest cave system in the world and the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the mainland. This state is also famous for its bourbon, Kentucky Derby and college basketball. But, it has high unemployment figure. The coal mining areas of central Appalachia keeps its citizens down and depressed. The state is also a platform to a lot of social problems apart from joblessness. Drug abuse and other illegal substances are on the roll in Kentucky.
7. Michigan
Michigan is situated in the Great Lakes region of the United States. It is actually bounded by four of the five Great Lakes. It once used to be one of the most vibrant states in the country. The reason was that it was the home of car manufacturers that lifted its economy. But when a downturn in the fortunes of American carmakers appeared, the whole scenario changed. The housing sector has also completely collapsed with some residents listing their homes for just a hundred dollars. A listing for just one dollar has also been recorded. The largest city in Michigan, Detroit has declared itself as bankrupt.
6. Mississippi
Mississippi is a located in the southern part of the United States. It has been ranked as one of the poorest states in the country. The Center for Disease Control also ranks it as the top state with the highest depression rate and the third highest in terms of frequent mental distress. It also ranks poorly when it comes to physical health. Mississippi is at the bottom of a lot of health measures, like obesity and heart disease.
5. Missouri
Missouri is a located in the Midwestern part of the United States. It is pretty okay in terms of physical health. However, it does score low in several areas. Researches say that it has 13 percent rate of serious psychological distress. But the citizens consider themselves lucky because their state government has been providing solutions against the problem. It is the pioneering state in the country with provisions for mental health first aid. Various authority figures like the police and teachers are trained in order to identify and help those suffering from mental illness of any sort.
4. Nevada
Nevada is located in the southwestern region of the country. It is famous for its libertarian laws. The state has legalized gambling and has lenient marriage and divorce proceedings. It is the only state in the world where prostitution is legal, though Las Vegas and the entire Clark County are notable exceptions to the rule. Nevada is the fourth largest producer of gold in the world. But these are not being enough to lift up the spirits of its citizens. Almost a tenth of its population suffers from major depression every year. To make matters worse, the budget for the department responsible for mental health services have been cut due of the poor economy of the country.
3. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a located in the southern part of the United States. It is a major producer of natural gas and oil. It also has significant industries in aviation, energy and biotechnology. It is also considered as one of the fastest growing economies in the country. One of the major problems is that the state is highly prone to severe weather. Almost 16 percent of the population lives under the poverty line and only a few have health insurance coverage.
2. Tennessee
Tennessee is a located in the southeastern part of the United States. It comprises of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. It is also the place where a lot of musicians congregate, with Memphis known for its blues and Nashville popular for its heart wrenching country songs. But it was recorded that one tenth of its population suffered from a major depression the past year. It also has high rates of obesity and diabetes. Around 70 percent of patients with the same seem to suffer from depression and anxiety.
1. West Virginia
West Virginia is a located in the Appalachian region of the southern part of the United States. Around 66 percent of its citizens live in rural areas without any steady jobs and therefore invites mental health care. Around 15 percent of its residents suffer from frequent mental distress. This state ranks last or second to the last with respect to mental health categories.
Akshay Agarwal
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