No matter where you live, anxiety can often be an unfortunate symptom of everyday life. Whether it's financial stress, a burdensome job, or a hectic home environment, roughly 31.1 percent of American adults have reported experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But even though it's relatively common, new research shows that residents in some states are more anxious on average than others.
The latest findings are thanks to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed by crystal and fashion accessory company TinyRituals. The team cross-referenced reported anxiety symptoms within a week with specific Google Trends and residency to determine each state's anxiety score, establishing a national average of 22.1. They were then ranked by their results. Read on to see if your home state landed itself among the top 10 most anxious in the U.S.
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10 | Rhode Island
Jim Schubert / ShutterstockAnxiety score: 24.5
While it may be the smallest on the map, Rhode Island still manages to carry a heavy burden when it comes to stress. Data finds the tiniest state in the Union is the tenth highest when it comes to reported anxiety.
9 | Pennsylvania
ShutterstockAnxiety score: 24.7
If you live in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, or somewhere in between, there's a decent chance you have a lot on your mind. Pennsylvania cracked the top 10 for anxious residents, according to data.
8 | California
IM_photo/ShutterstockAnxiety score: 25.4
California's reputation as an easy-going place with a laidback lifestyle tends to attract residents from all over the U.S., thanks in no small part to its natural beauty. But contrary to popular belief, people who live in the Golden State still report being relatively stressed out, earning it the eighth highest spot in the rankings.
7 | Michigan
iStockAnxiety score: 25.5
Michigan stands out as the only Midwestern state to earn a spot on the list. Residents reported feeling anxious often enough to land it in the number seven spot.
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6 | Georgia
iStockAnxiety score: 25.6
Georgia is a state with plenty of different locales, from the bustle of Atlanta to the laidback coastal ambiance of Savannah. However, residents there still reported relatively high anxiety levels, earning a score of 25.6.
5 | Massachusetts
Sean Pavone / ShutterstockAnxiety score: 25.9
To many, the Bay State encapsulates all possible factors of the New England experience, thanks to its stunning coastline, well-preserved forests, and charming cities and towns steeped in history. But the Commonwealth still finds itself relatively stressed out, cracking the top five of the most anxious states.
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4 | Indiana
Shutterstock / Sean PavoneAnxiety score: 26.4
Indiana residents are no strangers to stress. Research from TinyRituals shows that the Hoosier State is relatively anxious compared to the national average.
3 | Arkansas
iStockAnxiety score: 26.6
Residents of Little Rock might actually have big things on their minds. Data shows that Arkansas residents are relatively anxious compared to the national average, landing it third on the list overall.
2 | Louisiana
iStock / Kruck20Anxiety score: 28.1
One might expect the state that's home to the Big Easy to be a relatively laid-back place to live. But research shows that Louisiana residents are relatively stressed out, landing it in the second highest spot on the list.
1 | New York
ShutterstockAnxiety score: 28.7
From the Big Apple up to the Adirondacks and the Great Lakes out to Montauk, there's no shortage of different locales in the Empire State. But overall, New York topped the list as the most anxious state in the U.S. with a score of 28.7, which is almost a third higher than the national average.
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