In a recent study that sparked considerable interest, researchers unveiled the happiest and unhappiest states in America.
The findings suggest residents of Nebraska, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are more likely to experience happiness, compared to those living in states like West Virginia.
The research was conducted by Soliant Health, a healthcare staffing company, which ranked all 50 states based on mental health outcomes.
The data used for this study was sourced from reputable federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
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— poncepeachtree (@poncepeachtree) July 7, 2021
Nebraska emerged as the state with the best mental health outcomes, earning the title of America’s happiest state.
This achievement can be attributed to several factors including fewer ‘bad mental health days,’ greater access to mental health providers, lower suicide and unemployment rates, and less air pollution.
The state’s low level of ‘disconnected youth’ – individuals aged 16 to 24 who aren’t working or in school – also contributed to its top ranking.
On the other end of the spectrum, West Virginia found itself at the bottom of the list. High unemployment rates, increased violent crime, limited access to exercise opportunities, and a higher number of ‘disconnected youth’ were among the reasons for its low ranking.
Furthermore, the state reported the highest number of mentally unhealthy days among its residents.
Connecticut and Massachusetts secured the second and third spots respectively, largely due to their increased access to mental health professionals such as therapists and counselors. Connecticut scored 85 points, while Massachusetts earned 81.8, closely following Nebraska’s score of 85.2.
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The study also revealed alarming statistics about mental health among young people. A report by the CDC found that in 2021, 10.2 percent of US high school students admitted to attempting suicide in the past 12 months, a significant increase from around 8 percent in 2019.
West Virginia, known for its coal mining industry, also reported the highest rates of depression in the US. According to CDC data, 27.5 percent of West Virginia residents are depressed. The research showed that levels of depression were higher in women, younger adults, and adults with lower education levels.
The findings of this study underscore the importance of mental health services and the role they play in the overall well-being of a state’s residents.
While Nebraska, Connecticut, and Massachusetts lead the way in promoting happiness among their residents, there is a pressing need for other states, particularly West Virginia, to address the mental health challenges faced by their populations.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
