Happiness can be a difficult thing to pin down exactly, but unhappiness on the other hand may be a bit simpler.
One list has attempted to show the ten unhappiest states in the US.
Let's be honest, it's a pretty morbid list to be a part of, but it's actually based on some solid criteria.
Researchers at WalletHub have created the ranking by analyzing 30 different metrics. These account for residents' emotional and physical wellbeing.
Advert
There are also economic factors such as employment rates, as well as things like a sense of community and the environment.
These ten states really do put the 'blue' in 'red, white, and blue', though ironically all but one of them are actually red states.
Rates of depression and suicide were also a factor in the study, as well as anxiety and alcohol consumption.
That's not to say that location in and of itself is a factor, but there may be common features across these states which could contribute to unhappiness.
Advert
In a statement Dr. Miriam Liss, professor of psychology at the University of Mary Washington, said: “It is important to live where you can afford housing without being financially stressed and where you can build some sort of community and develop strong friendship networks."
It's worth keeping in mind that multiple factors can sometimes be at play with statistics as well. For example an area may have higher depression rates but relatively low suicide rates as the means to take your own life are more difficult to obtain.
But which states are the ten most unhappy?
Advert
Well, in at number ten is Oklahoma. This has been put down to low possibility of income growth.
Number nine is New Mexico, which has the highest divorce rate as well as high suicide rates, while number eight is Alaska, which has a high suicide rate and high working hours.
At number seven is Mississippi, which was found to have the second lowest safety ranking, and the fourth-highest divorce rate.
Advert
Number six was Alabama, with poor ratings for safety, volunteering, sports participation, and adequate sleep.
Starting out the top five is Kentucky, with some of the worst rates of adult depression and adequate sleep.
Number four was Arkansas, with the second lowest for emotional and physical wellbeing.
Advert
Number three is Tennessee. Then coming in at number two is Louisiana, with the second-worst working environment in the country.
But the top spot goes to West Virginia.
This has the worst rates of adult depression, work environment, emotional and physical well-being, and adequate sleep.
Advert
If you or someone you know is struggling or in mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741
You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Kit Roberts