Washington ranks 23rd nationally for high adult stress. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images) A new study has revealed that Washingtonians are carrying a heavier burden than much of the country, ranking the state 23rd in the nation for overall stress. The research conducted byBurning Dailyanalyzed 2023 data from the CDC to track how many adults experienced poor mental or physical health for at least 14 days out of a single month.
While Washington State isn’t at the very top of the list, it has secured a spot in the top 25 primarily due to a rise in mental health struggles.
How bad is
Seattle’s December traffic? New study reveals ranking
Washington nursing homes among worst in nation for elderly care: study Washington’s Stress Index score of 3.26 is a combination of two main health factors.
Over 16% of Washington adults report frequent mental distress, which is higher than the national average of 15.80%. In contrast, the state’s physical health remains a relative bright spot, with 12.30% of adults reporting frequent physical distress—a figure that remains below the national average of 13.00%.
The study suggests that Washington’s position in the top 25 is largely driven by these mental health reports, which are notably higher than those of many other Western states. While Washington sits at 23rd, other states are facing even steeper challenges.
West Virginia was named the most stressed state in America, earning a maximum stress score of 10.00, with 22.0% of adults reporting frequent mental distress and 18.4% reporting physical distress. Nevada followed in second place, while Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana rounded out the top five most stressed states.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, North Dakota was found to be the least stressed state in the country, with frequent mental distress seen in only 13.1% of residents. The data highlights a significant regional divide, as Maine was the only Northeastern state to rank in the top ten.
Nationally, the CDC reports that about 12.5% of adults experience regular feelings of worry or anxiety. Dennis Sanders of Burning Daily noted that these figures represent a significant public health concern because frequent stress is closely linked to serious long-term issues like heart disease, substance misuse, and a reduced life expectancy.
He emphasized that it is important for residents in states like Washington to seek help if they need it and to remember that it is okay not to be okay. Follow Seattle Red on-air at 770 AM, on theSeattle Red app, and streamingaudioandvideoonSeattle
Red.com.
Source: https://seattlered.com/washington-state/wa-23rd-most-stressed-us-state/4115748