Feeling stressed? It’s more likely in some U.S. states than others
Feeling stressed? It’s more likely in some U.S. states than others
In the study, the researchers looked at rates of mental distress by state among 2.4 million adults across two time periods — 1993 through 2001 and 2003 through 2006 — as part of the ongoing Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System study. Overall, the prevalence for frequent mental distress across both time periods was 9.4 percent, with the lowest rate in Hawaii and the highest rate in Kentucky.
Why the difference? It may be because residents in some areas of the country are more likely than others to have health conditions such as disability or diabetes, untreated mental conditions like anxiety or depression, high unemployment rates, risky behaviors including cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse, and/or social circumstances such as lower incomes. Health.com: Manic spending puts bipolar patients at risk for financial woes
US states - where you live can define your level of stress
I would also think attitude and recreational opportunities. If you take time to do things that give you a break from life stress then you will have less stress overall. Hawaii offers lots of sunshine and things to do – swimming, walking, hiking, golfing etc. Although the cost of living in Hawaii is quite high.
It is important to have something to look forward to each day – something positive even happy and exciting. A really fun hobby can be a great escape. That is why video games are so fun. They give an alternate reality to play and have fun inspite of the weather and whatever is going on in your life. Reading a good book can be engrossing and take you away from the troubles of daily life. So in-spite of where you live, come up with some fun things to do. Change your state of mind!
Dr Tim Lowenstein (c) 2009 All Rights Reserved Contact Dr Tim for permission to reprint. We can supply a copy of photos from this article as well.
