Healthy Habits - These Minnesota counties have the highest prevalence of mental health issues

 

• Beltrami County has the highest percentage of adults with mental health issues, with 26.6% 
• Carver County and Rice County have the joint-lowest percentage, with only 20.3% of adults suffering from mental health issues 

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can have wide-reaching effects on employment, friendships, and relationships. Life experiences, stressful situations, and genetics all contribute to mental health, and treatment can also vary from changing diet or lifestyle to medication. 

 

Experts at Leafwell have analyzed CDC data on the percentage of adults over 18 in Minnesota who suffer from mental health issues. They looked at a county-level prevalence and listed each county from highest to lowest percentage.  

 

Beltrami County has the highest percentage of mental health issues with 26.6% of the population suffering. According to the U.S. Census, 15.3% of the population live in poverty and the median household income is $55,910.  

 

Clay County has 25.8% of the population suffering from mental health issues. 12.9% of the population live in poverty with a median household income of $67,984. 7.6% of people under 65 have a disability, the second lowest among these ten counties. 

 

Mahnomen County has the third highest percentage of mental health issues with 25.2%. Mahnomen County only has a total population of 5,328, with 18% of its population living in poverty and a median household income of $48,021. 

 

Aitkin County has just under a quarter of its population suffering from mental health issues with 24.9%. The median household income is $50,900 and 10.9% of the population live in poverty. 13.9% of people under 65 have a disability, this is the highest percentage among the listed counties. 

 

Koochiching County has the fifth highest percentage with 24.7% suffering from mental health issues. 13.7% of people under 65 have a disability, the second highest percentage in this list. 13.6% of its population live in poverty with a median household income of $54,708.  

Pennington County has 24.5% of its population suffering from mental health issues. Only 10% of the population live in poverty, while the median household income is $64,268. 8.6% of the population under 65 have a disability. 

 

Benton County and Martin County rank seventh with 24.4% suffering from mental health issues. Martin County has 12% of its population under 65 with a disability. Benton County’s median household income is $65,529, the second highest out of the listed counties. 

 

Ramsey County and Wadena County rank eighth with 24.2% suffering from mental health issues. The counties have a comparable poverty level, with 13% in Ramsey and 12.7% in Wadena living in poverty. Wadena has 10.4% of its population under 65 with a disability. 

 

Faribault County has 24.1% suffering from mental health issues and 11.4% of the population living in poverty. The median household income is $55,186 and 9.3% of the population under 65 live with a disability. 

 

Blue Earth County has 24% of its population suffering from mental health issues, the lowest on this list. 13.2% of its population live in poverty and the median household income is $65,000. The county only has 7.2% of its population under 65 with a disability, which is also the lowest percentage of the listed counties. 

 

Lewis Jassey, Medical Director for Leafwell commented on the findings: 

 

"Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can have many triggers. General health, lifestyle and employment are some of the most common triggers and there are many treatment options available like therapy and antidepressant medication. In Minnesota, the use of CBD, including food and drink, is allowed. 

 

“Minnesota has large amounts of open space and nature, which can help calm the mind and treat anxiety and depression by boosting serotonin. The state is known for outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and skiing during the cold winter months. 

 

“The data shows us that despite the prevalence of natural parks and outdoor recreation in some counties, levels of poverty and lower wages contribute to a higher percentage of mental health issues.” 

  

 

Post courtesy of https://leafwell.com/medical-card/minnesota/