Mental health is a nationwide concern, but some states are more deeply affected than others. Depression can be invisible, but its impact is widespread — from academic settings and communities to families and individuals. Understanding where depression is the most prevalent helps highlight where resources and support are needed most.
Depression Across the United States
According to data analyzed by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, the states with the highest levels of depression were primarily located in the South and Appalachia — regions where access to mental health care, economic stability and social support may be limited.
The rankings were based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measuring the percentage of adults who reported being diagnosed with depression by a medical professional. Some states reported rates nearly double that of others.
Most Depressed States in the USA: Top 10
Here are the top 10 most depressed states in the USA, based on the percentage of adults with diagnosed depression:
- Louisiana – 30.3%
- Nevada – 29.4%
- Mississippi – 29.1%
- West Virginia – 27%
- Tennessee – 26.4%
- Kentucky – 25.6%
- Alabama – 25.2%
- Texas – 24.4%
- Georgia – 23.9%
- New Mexico – 23.7%
These figures are based on adults reporting symptoms of depressive disorders from results of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) scale.
Why Are These States More Depressed?
While depression is a complex and personal condition, regional patterns can be influenced by shared challenges, including:
- Economic hardship. Higher rates of poverty and unemployment can fuel chronic stress.
- Limited access to mental health care. It may be difficult to find therapists or psychiatrists in rural or underserved areas.
- Physical health issues. Chronic illness and poor general health can worsen depression.
- Social isolation. Smaller or aging populations may have fewer community and social resources.
- Cultural stigma. In some communities, discussing mental health is still taboo, which discourages seeking treatment.
Each state’s mental health challenges are unique, but these common threads help explain why certain regions see higher rates of depression.
Depression on Campus: Most Depressed Colleges
College students are especially vulnerable to depression. Academic pressure, social changes and financial stress can combine to create a mental health crisis — especially at schools in already high-risk states.
While there’s no definitive ranking of the most depressed colleges, surveys show that students in states like West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee — already among the most depressed states — report some of the highest levels of mental health challenges.
Nationally, 44% of college students reported experiencing symptoms of depression, 37% reported anxiety and 15% reported seriously considering suicide in the past year. Key risk factors include:
- Lack of campus mental health services
- Academic competition and burnout
- Loneliness and social disconnection
- Financial strain and student debt
- Substance use and sleep disruption
Colleges that are aware of these risks have begun investing more in on-campus counseling centers, peer support programs and crisis hotlines, but more support is still needed.
Comparing Globally: Depression Rates by Country
While this article focuses on the most depressed states in the United States, it’s also important to look at how America compares globally.
According to the Global Health Data exchange, the United States is among the countries with the highest rates of diagnosed depression worldwide. Countries with high reported rates include:
- Greenland – 8.51%
- Greece – 7.59%
- Tunisia – 7.57%
- Portugal – 7.14%
- Lithuania – 6.96%
- United States – 6.06%
It’s worth noting that depression rates by country can be influenced by many factors, including access to health care, cultural attitudes toward mental illness and the accuracy of national health reporting.
In contrast, countries with low reported rates may not necessarily be mentally healthier — they may have more stigma or less access to diagnosis and treatment.
What These Rankings Tell Us
While it’s useful to look at rankings and statistics, they should be a starting point — not the full story. Behind every number is a person struggling with emotional pain, isolation or hopelessness.
The high rates in some states and communities may reflect a greater willingness to seek help or point to gaps in care and support. Either way, the data is a call for more resources, better education and broader access to treatment.
Mental Health Resources: How to Get Help
No matter where you live, help is available. If you or someone you care about is showing signs of depression, don’t wait for it to get worse.
You might be experiencing depression if you notice:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue or lack of motivation
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential support to help you understand your options and connect you with the best services for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which State Has the Highest Rate of Depression?
Though reports vary, Louisiana currently has the highest reported rate of diagnosed depression among adults, at 30.3%. - Why Do Some States Have Higher Depression Rates?
Factors like poverty, lack of access to care, chronic illness and social isolation all contribute to regional differences in depression rates. - Which Colleges Have the Highest Depression Rates?
While there’s no official ranking, schools in states with high depression rates — like West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee — often report higher levels of mental health issues among students. - How Does the United States Compare to Other Countries in Depression Rates?
The United States has one of the highest rates of diagnosed depression globally. However, international comparisons are complicated by cultural stigma and differences in health reporting. - Where Can I Find Mental Health Support?
The Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential help 24-7. Whether you need immediate support or help finding local treatment, someone is available to listen.
The First Step Is Reaching Out
Depression is a national issue with regional fingerprints. Understanding the most depressed states helps us identify where support is needed most — but it also reminds us that mental health is a universal struggle. Wherever you live, depression is real and treatable. Don’t wait for a crisis to reach out. The Mental Health Hotline is here to help for free and with complete confidentiality.
