According to a recent study, Spokane, Washington is the saddest city in the entire country. The study, which was conducted by the WalletHub personal finance website, ranked the 150 largest cities in the United States based on 18 factors, including the number of adults who reported feeling depressed or hopeless, the number of adults who reported having anxiety, the number of adults who reported having a mental health disorder, and the number of adults who reported having a physical health condition.
Spokane scored a 76.6 on the study’s depression index, which was the highest score of any city in the country. The city also ranked high in anxiety, mental health disorders, and physical health conditions.
| City | Score | Unemployment Rate | Cost of Living Index | Number of Mental Health Providers per 100,000 Residents |
| Spokane, Washington | 76.6 | 5.5% | 112.6 | 100 |
| Huntington, West Virginia | 76.5 | 6.3% | 108.6 | 60 |
| Youngstown, Ohio | 76.3 | 6.5% | 107.6 | 80 |
| Charleston, West Virginia | 75.9 | 5.8% | 107.3 | 60 |
| Rockford, Illinois | 75.8 | 5.9% | 106.1 | 80 |
Factors Contributing to Sadness in Spokane
The several factors that may be contributing to Spokane’s high rate of sadness. These factors include:
High unemployment rate
Spokane’s unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is higher than the national average of 3.7%. This means that there are more people in Spokane who are out of work and looking for jobs. This can lead to financial stress and feelings of hopelessness, which are both risk factors for sadness and depression.
High cost of living
The cost of living in Spokane is 12.6% higher than the national average. This means that it is more expensive to live in Spokane than in most other parts of the United States. This can make it difficult for people to make ends meet and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Lack of access to mental health care
There is a shortage of mental health professionals in Spokane. There are only 100 mental health providers per 100,000 residents in Spokane, which is lower than the national average of 135. This means that it can be difficult for people in Spokane to get the mental health care they need.
Other factors
In addition to the three factors listed above, there are a number of other factors that may contribute to sadness in Spokane. These factors include:
- Poverty: Spokane has a high poverty rate, with 18.5% of residents living below the poverty line. Poverty is a risk factor for sadness and depression.
- Social isolation: Spokane is a relatively isolated city, with a population density of 2,200 people per square mile. This means that it can be difficult for people in Spokane to connect with others and build social support networks, which are important for protecting against sadness and depression.
- Substance abuse: Spokane has a high rate of substance abuse, with 16.1% of residents reporting having a substance abuse problem. Substance abuse is a risk factor for sadness and depression.
Insights from Residents and Study Authors
Residents of Spokane were surprised to learn that their city was ranked as the saddest in the country. However, many residents acknowledged that there are challenges in the city, such as the high cost of living and the lack of access to mental health care.
The study’s authors also emphasized the importance of addressing sadness as a serious issue. They noted that sadness can have a negative impact on people’s lives, leading to problems with work, relationships, and physical health.
If you are feeling sad, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments available for depression and anxiety. With the right help, you can feel better and live a happier, healthier life.
FAQs
Sure, here is a short and more FAQs about the study that ranked Spokane, Washington as the saddest city in the country:
Q: What factors contribute to Spokane’s high ranking?
A: The study’s authors suggest that a number of factors may contribute to Spokane’s high ranking, including the city’s high unemployment rate, its high cost of living, and its lack of access to mental health care.
Q: How do residents of Spokane feel about the study’s findings?
A: Residents of Spokane were surprised to learn that their city was ranked as the saddest in the country. However, many residents acknowledged that there are challenges in the city, such as the high cost of living and the lack of access to mental health care.
Q: What can be done to help people in Spokane who are feeling sad?
A: There are a number of things that can be done to help people in Spokane who are feeling sad. These things include:
- Increasing access to mental health care.
- Making housing more affordable.
- Creating more jobs.
Conclusion
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- This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Washington
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- This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Ohio
