When I found this report, it got my attention because I have become sensitized to the needs of people under stress. Madeline, a senior chaplain working in the critical incident stress area, regularly attends workshops and conferences dealing with counseling and supporting people with stress -- depression, pain, and post traumatic stress disorder (found in many returning war veterans). In accompanying her to these sessions, I have grown to appreciate the needs. Health.com, using data from federal agencies, identified 10 states with the highest rates of depression, psychological distress, and other indicators of poor mental health. The states in alphabetical order are AK, IN, KT, MI, MS, MO, NV, OK, TN, and WV.
While genetics will play some role here, the environment plays an important trigger for psychological and physical distress. High unemployment, high joblessness leads to anxiety, depression and, often, substance abuse. These stressors are complicated by obesity, and hypertension. Most of the 10 states fit in this category: Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, and Tennessee.
Arkansas and Indiana are in a second group. The bad economy has devastated community health center budgets, just as unemployment rises. Many young adults are impacted.
The last two states, Oklahoma and West Virginia, have high poverty and low insurance coverage. West Virginia ranked last or next to last on every mental health category evaluated.
Our nation's economy and health are given faces and names as the needs impact more and more people in negative ways. We need to change this downward trajectory!
The report can be read at http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20483493,00.html.
© Baldwin H. Tom CMC
www.tbgroupconsultants.com
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