Too busy to be bummed out?
New Yorkers sure like to complain, but it turns out we’re one of the least depressed states in the country, according to an annual happiness ranking.
Wallethub’s Happiest States 2024 study placed The Empire State all the way up at No. 5 in a subcategory singling out the states reporting the lowest and highest rates of adult depression — not quite good enough to beat neighboring New Jersey, which took the No. 2 spot on the list.
Hawaii, with its dazzling scenery and sunshine, ranked highest out of all the states to land comfortably at No. 1.
Two other paradise-like states, California and Florida, were shut out of the Top 5 by the apparently much more cheerful Nebraska (No. 3) and Illinois (No. 4).
Few than half of Americans say they are “very satisfied” with their lives at the moment, according to the survey authors — who also note that the state you live in can have an impact on just how happy you are.
Researchers considered 30 key metrics, pulling state statistics for reported rates of depression to help determine who’s got it bad — and who’s got it less bad.
In 2023, the NYC Department for Health & Hygiene reported that 8% of adults experienced depression during the previous year. That ranks the Big Apple just above a reported national average of 7.1%.
Tennessee was ranked the most depressed state in America — a ranking that matches the results of a 2023 CDC study that reportedly came to the same conclusion.
One in five people, or 22.1% of the population in the Nashville region, the Volunteer State’s largest city, have at one time or another been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, according to NashvilleHealth.
Oklahoma, Arkansas, West Virginia and Maine joined the Volunteer State at the bottom of the pile.
New York fared far worse in the overall happiness ranking — plummeting to No. 23 when bigger picture issues like work, community and environment were added into the mix.
On that list, Hawaii still managed to cling to the top rung, while the Garden State dropped one place to No. 3, crabwalked out by Maryland, which elbowed its way to No. 2.
Speaking specifically about New Jersey, survey authors explained the overall ranking by pointing out its life satisfaction rates, high rates of people who report having supportive relationships and love in their lives, along with the country’s third lowest separation and divorce rate.
The state’s affluence was also spoken of in regards to its happiness — special mention was given to the decline in poverty and food insecurity in recent years.
Leave a Reply