Maps
The Places in the United States With the Worst Mental Health, Mapped
“Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg or your brain, it’s still an illness, and there should be no distinction. It’s time to tell everyone who’s dealing with a mental health issue that they’re not alone, and that getting support and treatment isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.” ~ Michelle Obama
More than half of people with mental illness do not receive help for their struggles. This is greatly influenced by the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination that is prevalent in many societies and communities. A 2016 study on mental health stigma concluded that “there is no country, society or culture where people with mental illness have the same societal value as people without mental illness.” America is no exception, although the severity varies across regions. While stigma is not the sole cause of people struggling with mental illness, it certainly contributes to it. The team at Charlotte’s Web has created an insightful visualization of where people in the United States have the poorest mental health.
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These numbers are self-reported, which is alarming because it makes you wonder how many people are slipping through the cracks due to stigma, lack of awareness, societal influences, and other factors. West Virginia is by far the most concerning – it tops the state chart and contains the majority of the counties with the poorest mental health. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia rates are among the highest in the nation. In the Healthiest Communities Ranking, the average score among West Virginia’s counties was around 28 out of 100. The five poorest-scoring counties for mental health were all in West Virginia. Another study found that 24.62% of adults in West Virginia are struggling with mental illness. What could be going on in West Virginia? A major contributor is stigma – West Virginia has a culture of independence and grit, so it is often frowned upon to seek help for mental illness. Lack of access to proper care is another factor; the rate of mental health providers per 100,000 people is 45% below average than the rest of America.
Charts like this give us an opportunity to fight stigma. No one should have to suffer in silence. If you are someone you know is struggling, there are options.
Noise pollution can have a major impact on sleep quality, and NapLab’s latest study sheds light on the noisiest and quietest places to get a good night’s rest in the U.S. Using data from the National Transportation Noise Exposure Map, they pinpointed areas with the highest and lowest decibel levels.
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The three loudest cities were all in Colorado: Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs. These cities experience a mix of factors contributing to the noise, including rapid population growth, which increases traffic and construction noise. Denver International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, adds constant aviation sounds to Denver and Aurora. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs is home to several military bases, where aircraft activity and training exercises raise noise levels even further.
On the other hand, the quietest places for sleep were found in Zephyrhills, Florida, Cape Coral, Florida, and Lakewood Township, New Jersey. These locations benefit from a slower pace of life, less urban development, and fewer transportation hubs. Zephyrhills and Cape Coral are popular with retirees and seasonal residents, leading to quieter neighborhoods. Cape Coral also enforces strict noise ordinances to maintain a peaceful environment. Lakewood Township offers an outdoor-focused, laid-back lifestyle with activities like golfing and canoeing that contribute to its calm atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility or braving city sounds, this map offers insight into how your environment might affect your sleep.
Ever wondered which states are the most daring behind closed doors? A recent Too Timid survey of 1,427 Americans sheds light on the most sexually adventurous states in the U.S. The study ranked states based on four key factors: the average number of sex toys owned, sexual partners, sexual experiences, and fantasies that turn people on.
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Here are the top 10 most adventurous states:
- Montana
- Iowa
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Nevada
- Alaska
- Indiana
Meanwhile, the least adventurous states include Rhode Island, North Dakota, Maine, and South Dakota.
Beyond state rankings, the study uncovered some intriguing trends in American bedrooms. The most common sexual experience is watching porn with a partner, followed by one-night stands. When it comes to fantasies, most people keep it simple, dreaming about sex with their current partner and enjoying some steamy dirty talk.
The Too Timid team highlights the positive effects of sexual openness, noting that people who embrace their sexuality often report better body image, stronger relationships, and more satisfying sex lives.
While this survey offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s intimate habits, more data and future studies could reveal even more surprising trends. Whether your state made the top ten or not, one thing’s clear—America’s curiosity about sex is alive and well!
Homelessness in the United States remains a pressing issue, especially as rates have surged by 18.1% in 2024—a historic high. Vulnerable populations face rising housing costs, mass migration, and evictions, with many renters categorized as “cost-burdened.” Meanwhile, over 14 million vacant homes exist across the country, a number that far exceeds what’s needed to house every homeless individual.
A study by the Mortgage Calculator team maps this disparity, highlighting states with the highest ratio of vacant homes to homeless individuals. Mississippi tops the list with 187.31 vacant homes per homeless person. Despite high poverty levels, the state’s low cost of living and relatively small homeless population contribute to this striking ratio. Southern states dominate the map’s highest ratios, reflecting the availability of vacant housing in rural areas. However, these areas often lack the economic infrastructure and job opportunities necessary to support new residents, complicating potential solutions.
The findings reveal stark contrasts: urban areas, where jobs are more plentiful, tend to have higher homelessness rates but fewer vacant homes, while rural states have the opposite challenge. Advocates suggest that leveraging vacant housing could significantly reduce homelessness, but practical barriers remain. Addressing this issue will require not only repurposing unused housing but also creating sustainable economic opportunities to support vulnerable populations.
This study underscores the urgent need for innovative policies and programs to bridge the gap between empty housing and homelessness, offering hope for a more equitable future.
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