Below you can see our list of the 10 states with the highest rates of depression in the United States. For our discussion and a more comprehensive list please see 25 states that have the highest rates of depression in America.
10. Ohio
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 21.4
People in Ohio tend to smoke a lot, which is a major issue there in addition to a high prevalence of diabetes and a high premature death rate, which combined explain at least some of the high depression statistics in the state.
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9. Missouri
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 21.44
In Missouri, 47,000 youths faced major depressive episodes, making up 10.4% of the total state population, which is a damning statistic indeed.
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8. Colorado
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 21.5
Colorado is generally afflicted with excessive drinking, a high prevalence of low birthweight, as well as a significant difference in health status by high school education, all of which are though to contribute to a high depression rate.
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7. Kentucky
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 22.14
Kentucky has a mental illness problem, mainly because there is a severe dearth of physical activities, high rate of mental distress and also a high death rate from cancer, which can be sobering for anyone.
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6. Washington
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 22.23
You might think that Washington would be happier, but apparently a state which is home to the federal government and high level politics makes for a depressed state indeed.
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5. Oregon
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 22.45
Over 13% of the youth in Oregon suffered a depressive episode in the last year, showcasing the importance and necessity of programs to prevent, diagnose and cure depression.
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4. Indiana
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 22.51
In Indiana, 66,000 youths had a major depressive episode, constituting around 12.7% of the total state population.
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3. West Virginia
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 23.8
When it comes to frequent mental distress, West Virginia is the least healthy state in the entire country, with the primary factors said to be high obesity prevalence, percentage of children who are poor and a high premature death rate.
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2. Idaho
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 24.46
The reason for a high depression rate in Idaho is a low percentage of people graduating high school, low rate of primary care physicians, and low HPV immunization.
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1. Utah
Percentage of population suffering from mental illness: 25.25
Topping the list of 10 states that have the highest rates of depression in America is Utah, where over a quarter of the population suffers from a mental illness. While the state is undertaking action to reduce the rate, a lot needs to be done.
Please also see 16 countries with the highest mental illness rates and 15 most depressed countries in 2017.
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