Indiana and Kentucky Among Most Depressed States in the U.S.

One out of every five American adults has dealt with some form of depression, but it looks like some states have higher numbers than others.

Depression is no joke and can vary in severity from person to person. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. The disorder is most prevalent among young adults and women, but it doesn't necessarily discriminate when it comes to age and gender.

How Depressed Are Folks in Indiana?

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According to U.S. News, depression at a state-by-state glance varies across the board. That said, falling under the top 11 most depressed states in the U.S. is Indiana at No. 10. According to data collected through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of Hoosiers are depressed. Meanwhile, Hawaii is the least depressed state, followed by California, Maryland, and South Dakota.

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How Depressed Are Folks in Kentucky?

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Coming in at No. 2 as the second most depressed state in America is Kentucky, where 27% of residents revealed they are depressed. Depression can be measured in a number of ways, ranging from self-reported symptoms to official diagnoses. U.S. News determined the states with the best and worst mental health by examining the share of adults in each state who reported poor mental health in at least 14 of the last 30 days. Below, you'll find the full list of the top 11 most depressed states in the U.S.