Feeling A Bit Down, Grand Rapids? You’re Not Alone

A recent study by a medical web site says Grand Rapids is among the cities with highest prevalence of depression in the nation.

Grand Rapids Is In The Top 50 Of The Cities With The Most Cases Of Depression

The study was conducted by the research team at CEUfast.com. They looked at numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the most depressed cities in the United States. The data is based on the number of residents who have been told that they have a form of depression.

Grand Rapids wound up 28th overall in cases of depression and related mental health issues, finishing among the top 50 cities in the nation in the that category.

Anxiety and depression disorders affect 40 million adults in the country. While these disorders are treatable, they can significantly impact the way people think, feel, and act.

What Cities Are Feeling The Most Blue?

They say that misery loves company. So, if you’re a depressed hunk of humanity, you might enjoy being in the presence of other downers. Here are the the most depressed cities in the United States:

1. Billings, Montana
2. Kingsport, Tennessee/Bristol, Virginia
3. Knoxville, Tennessee
4. Charleston, West Virginia
5. Huntington, West Virginia/Ashland, Kentucky
6. Spokane/Spokane Valley, Washington
7. Madison, Wisconsin
8. Salem, Oregon
9. Chattanooga, Tennessee/Duluth, Minnesota
10. Lafayette, Louisiana

Grand Rapids and Lansing Are The Only Michigan Cities On The List

Grand Rapids came in at number 28, and Lansing at number 33 on the list, but there is a bright side to being on the list.

To have that high of a diagnosis rate means people here are seeking out help and getting it. We aren't in denial, when we're feeling blue, we're seeking out medical care.

And know you're not alone. That this many people have come forward to get help means there are others who feel the same way you do, if you're feeling blue. It's like the line from the Police song 'Message In A Bottle', "It seems you're never lonely feeling alone."

Be open and talk about your feelings, you may find someone who can relate.

Look For These Warning Signs Of Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health has many resources about depression and mental health. According to the organization, these are some common signs of depression:

• Consistent anxious, sad, or empty feelings
• Hopeless feelings
• Feelings of helplessness or guilt
• Lower energy than usual
• Irritability
• Low interest in favorite hobbies or activities
• Restlessness
• Thoughts of suicide

Anyone who is feeling symptoms of depression should contact their primary care provider, therapist, or psychiatrist to discuss treatment options. People who are feeling suicidal should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to get immediate help.