A report dated September 2, 2011 published by the Centers for Disease Control, outlines the prevalence of mental illness in the United States of America and addresses the overall impact. They found that depression rates are highest in the Southeast United States. Similarly, the highest levels of severe psychological distress occurred in the Southeast region. Significant levels of depression and psychological distress were found throughout the United States. The authors noted that they were primarily evaluating depression, and that this study largely excluded anxiety disorders, which can impose as much impairment as depression. Furthermore, anxiety, like depression often coexists with and exacerbates medical conditions.

FIGURE 1. Prevalence of current depression* among adults aged ≥18 years, by state quartile — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2006

FIGURE 2. Prevalence of serious psychological distress* among adults aged ≥18 years, by state quartile — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2007

FIGURE 3. Mean number of mentally unhealthy days* during past 30 days among adults aged ≥18 years, by state quartile — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2009

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealthsurveillance/index.html