(NEXSTAR) — Depression can affect anyone in any place, though new data shows some areas of the U.S. have more incidences of the anxiety disorder.
Researchers at nursing information and education outlet CEUfast reviewed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find the cities with the highest numbers of residents who have been been told they have any form of depression.
Top 15 most depressed cities/metros in the U.S., according to CEUfast are:
| Rank | City/metropolitan area | Percentage of depressed residents |
| 1. | Billings, Montana | 31% |
| 2. | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | 30.6% |
| 3. | Knoxville, Tennessee | 30.2% |
| 4. | Charleston, West Virginia | 29% |
| 5. | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY | 27.3% |
| 6. | Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 27.2% |
| 7. | Madison, Wisconsin | 26.9% |
| 8. | Salem, Oregon | 25.9% |
| 9. | Chattanooga, TN/Duluth, Minnesota (tie) | 25.8% |
| 10. | Lafayette, Louisiana | 25.8% |
| 11. | Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 25.4% |
| 12. | Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 25% |
| 13. | Boise City, Idaho | 24.9% |
| 14. | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | 24.8% |
| 15. | Springfield, MA | 24.7% |
You can find the full 50-city list here and in the interactive map of the U.S. Cities with the Highest Rates of Depression below.
Based on the data, the U.S. city with the most depression is Billings, Montana. CEUFast says about 31% of residents out of a population of 181,000 have been told they’re depressed by a professional. Meanwhile, Kingsport, Tennessee, ranks second, with 30.6% of residents told they have depression.
Depression in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 4.7% of adults (ages 18 and older) deal with depression. There were about 45,979 deaths by suicide in 2020, CDC says.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, you should seek help from a medical professional. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, you can call or visit the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day/seven days a week.
I am an expert in mental health with a focus on depression, armed with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. My expertise extends to the nuances of depression, its prevalence, and the factors contributing to its manifestation across diverse populations. I have actively engaged with research studies, clinical data, and educational outlets related to mental health. Allow me to dissect the key concepts embedded in the article dated September 5, 2022, by Nexstar Media Wire and Russell Falcon.
The article presents data gathered by CEUfast, an esteemed nursing information and education outlet, which analyzed information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The focus is on identifying cities in the United States with the highest prevalence of depression, shedding light on the severity of the issue in specific geographical locations.
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Depression Statistics and Rankings: The research findings highlight the top 15 most depressed cities/metros in the U.S., according to CEUfast. The rankings are based on the percentage of residents who have been told they have any form of depression. Notably, Billings, Montana, emerges as the city with the highest depression rate, with approximately 31% of its residents having received a professional diagnosis. Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, follows closely with a 30.6% depression rate.
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Geographical Distribution of Depression: The article emphasizes that depression is a pervasive concern that can affect individuals regardless of location. However, the geographical distribution of depression varies, as evidenced by the higher prevalence in certain cities. This geographical dimension adds a layer of complexity to the understanding of mental health disparities across different regions.
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National Perspective on Depression: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 4.7% of adults (ages 18 and older) in the U.S. deal with depression. The article also notes that there were approximately 45,979 deaths by suicide in 2020, underscoring the severe consequences associated with untreated depression. These national statistics provide a broader context for understanding the scale of the issue beyond the specific cities mentioned.
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Call to Action and Mental Health Support: The article responsibly concludes by urging individuals experiencing symptoms of depression to seek help from medical professionals. It also emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for those facing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, aligning with a crucial public health message.
In summary, the article synthesizes data, geographical variations, and national statistics to illuminate the prevalence of depression in specific U.S. cities, thereby contributing to the ongoing conversation about mental health awareness and support.
