Depression among the states

This is a difficult time of the year for many Arkansans. Mental Health America recently released a report comparing depression levels and suicide rates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The group intends to use the information to highlight solutions to improve mental health status among the states.

The group estimates that lost productive time among U.S. workers due to depression is in excess of $31 billion per year and is also the principal cause of the 30,000 suicides in the U.S. each year. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, third among individuals 15-24.

The report ranks South Dakota as the healthiest state with respect to depression status -- Utah is ranked as the most depressed state. In terms of 2004 suicide rates, the District of Columbia was the lowest, followed by New York and Massachusetts. Alaska had the highest suicide rate, followed by Nevada and New Mexico. Arkansas ranked in the mid to lower tier of states in both rankings. Here's the full report if you're interested.