BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — As concerns over everything from politics to the rising cost of living worsen, so, too, do the mental states of many citizens. Unfortunately, as a new study shows, nobody is safe from dealing with these troubling emotions — and they impact far more people than one would initially expect, even in our state.

To determine what anxiety and depression rates look like in North Dakota, the behavior health treatment center The Dawn Thailand analyzed the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding how many residents of each state show symptoms of either condition. When these numbers were calculated and expressed as percentages, it was revealed that North Dakotans, especially those who are taking their first steps into the adult world, are affected more than anyone else.

As the study suggests, while statistics are very high among younger or middle-aged individuals, they tend to lower as one grows older, presumably due to one becoming more comfortable with their situation or the implementation of proper therapy and medicine. In total, between February and March of 2024, 14.2% of all ND residents stated they experienced some symptoms of anxiety, while 10.4% reported feelings of depression.

Notably, these different rates in symptoms also apply to genders as a whole across the entire nation, with men typically reporting lower percentages than women.

The difference even extends across varying levels of education. On average, those with a bachelor’s degree in the US tend to express far fewer symptoms than those with a high school diploma, GED, or associate’s degree. All of these groups, however, feature lower rates than those who have not graduated from high school.

“Tracking the prevalence of depression and anxiety nationwide and statewide is crucial to monitoring the changes in the nation’s mental health over time,” states The Dawn Rehab’s Clinical Director Helen Wells. “By knowing where and to what extent depression and anxiety are prevalent, resources such as mental health professionals, support groups, and funding can be allocated more efficiently. This ensures that communities with higher levels of need receive adequate support. Publicly available data on the prevalence of depression and anxiety helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illness by normalizing discussions about these conditions. It encourages individuals to seek help and support, knowing they are not alone in their struggles.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, it is important to know that there are always resources that can help deal with these troublesome feelings. To view a list of resources available in North Dakota, visit this page on the ND Department of Health and Human Services website.

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