15 US States Where People Are Statistically The Most Miserable
Do you think of yourself as a happy person? Or are you more of a depressed, sad type? Your emotional state might be effected by where you’re living or where you grew up especially if its one of the unhappiest states in the U.S. According to the latest Happiness Report, republished on Jagranjosh.com, researchers analyzed 30 key metrics to rank states based on happiness. These metrics covered three major areas: work environment, physical and emotional well-being, and community and environment and then assessed each state to discover the unhappiest states in the USA. See if your state falls on this list and then start thinking about moving. It’s for your happiness!
West Virginia
West Virginia is known for many great things: its unique Appalachian culture, the breathtaking views of mountains, and the miles of untouched nature. Unfortunately, not all of its fame comes from good things. Crippling poverty, community-wide addictions, educational crises, and ranking dead last in mental health make this a rough place to live.
It doesn’t help that many neighborhoods are simply dying out as a result of the lack of investment.
Louisiana
Louisiana has amazing food. It’s a state that also knows how to party and flaunt its rich culture. However, it’s also the third-worst state for divorces and the absolute worst state when it comes to crime. It’s easy to see why people might be in a foul mood around the bayous between economic hardships, crime, and hurricanes.
With that said, we hear the food can put a smile on anyone’s face.
Tennessee
Walking in Memphis might be a magical experience for some, but residents have a lot to grapple with. This is a state where wealth divides are pretty high. If you’re wealthy, you’ll love your Graceland-like homes and close proximity to Tenessee whiskey.
Speaking of, drinking is one of many vices that harm this state. Addictions are an issue in much of the state.
Arkansas
Arkansas was second only to West Virginia when it came to the issue of mental health decline. This charming Southern state has a lot of issues with addiction, corruption, and toxic workplaces. It’s also not very sporty, ranking close to last for sports participation.
That can’t be healthy.
Kentucky
Most of us know Kentucky for its wonderful bluegrass, KFC’s home state, and good ol’ bourbon. Though it definitely earned a place as a culinary hotspot, mental health is an issue here. It ranks low among states for mental health.
It’s also no secret that restrictive bills and a lack of Medicaid help caused this place to be a bad place for those with health issues.
Alabama
Alabama is famous for having issues that deal with both its infrastructure and the way its society runs. As a state with devastatingly high poverty rates and high obesity rates, it can be hard to get the healthcare you need to thrive here.
It currently ranks 44th in the nation for emotional and physical well-being. It also has the second-lowest number of people participating in sports.
Mississippi
In most parts of America, it’s known that any issue that seems to affect Alabama will affect its next-door neighbor, Mississippi. Difficulties with poverty, education, environmental damage, and a lack of decent healthcare make it hard to feel sunny in Ol’ Mississippi.
Many argue that the way people experience this state fully depends on their income. High earners seem to love it here.
Alaska
Alaska is one of those states that is either great for you or bad for you. It ranks 36th for mental and physical wellness and also happens to have one of the highest suicide rates in America. Moreover, there is a major gap between the number of men and women. So, if you’re a fellow looking for love in the Great North, this might be a reason to be upset.
New Mexico
New Mexico is often seen as a good place to retire or visit, but make no mistake about it. Many people here don’t soak up the sun with joy. Rough HOAs, sky-high prices, and a lack of decent healthcare make it difficult to feel well.
Overall, the sudden spike in living costs and the dire rich-poor divide make it a rough place to be. It also has the fourth-highest suicide rate in the country.
Oklahoma
Sitting right on top of the Texan border is Oklahoma, a state famous for tornadoes, sprawling countrysides, and a city with its own Venice-style canals. It can be a pretty state, but make no mistake about it—it’s not an easy one to live in. With difficult economic issues, addictions, and crime, it’s a grim place to be.
Unless you live in one of the larger cities, Oklahoma also offers little to do. Boredom can increase mental health issues, which means you might be worse for the wear in this state.
Indiana
It’s not eerie to hear that Indiana has a high ranking among the saddest states in the nation. Multiple cities with alarmingly-high crime rates, addiction problems, and doctors fleeing the region make it a tough place to live. A high homelessness rate is what pushed it to be one of the most depressing places to live.
While Indiana has gorgeous cities (such as the one above), the truth is that this state seems to be in trouble everywhere.
Texas
Texas is no joke. Everything is bigger here: bigger steaks, bigger beers, and, of course, bigger problems. Women have been struggling with the passage of some of the most draconian abortion laws on the charts. However, you don’t have to be female to struggle in the Lone Star State.
This state has the poorest mental healthcare and some of the worst women’s healthcare in America. Surprising? Not in the least.
Oregon
Despite its breathtaking lakes and mountains, Oregon remains one of the saddest states in the USA. But why? There seem to be several factors at play. Among these are the high homelessness rates due to the increased housing prices, as well as the generally high costs of living, making it hard for people to afford a decent living. Drug abuse also remains a concerning issue.
Ohio
Unfortunately, similar to the other states on this list, Ohio remains one of the unhappiest countries in the USA. People here have low levels of emotional and physical well-being, and many suffer from severe mental illness. The state is also facing high infrastructure challenges. For instance, several bridges are in poor condition, posing a danger to the entire population.
Wyoming
Wyoming, the least populated state in the U.S., is known for its rugged landscape, harsh winters, and wide-open spaces. With a low emotional well-being score of 38 out of 100, the state’s cold weather and limited sunlight are likely contributors to seasonal depression. Residents often face long drives for everyday tasks, adding to the challenges of isolation in such a sparsely populated area. Combined, these factors can make life in Wyoming feel tough for many.
This article was inspired by The Happiness Report, as it appeared on Jagranjosh.com.
