Idaho has serious mental health problems, even though the state is known for its beautiful nature and outdoor spots. Things like high suicide rates, drug and alcohol problems, poor sleep habits, and limited access to mental health care all play a part. A recent study from WalletHub found Idaho is the 10th most depressed state in the country.
Out of all the cities in Idaho, Pocatello is the one struggling the most with mental health problems. Pocatello, located in Bannock County, has been named the most depressed city in Idaho. Several sources, including USA Today, 24/7 Wall Street, and RoadSnacks, have all pointed to Pocatello for having the most serious struggles. These sources all use slightly different ways to measure well-being, like looking at income, poverty levels, education, and crime. But they all agree that Pocatello faces both high rates of personal suffering and low levels of overall well-being.
Here’s a closer look at why Pocatello deals with so much depression:
Economic Decline Over The Years
Pocatello’s economy has been struggling for a long time, mostly because major industries that once provided stable jobs — like the railroads and mining — have either slowed down or disappeared. The economic hit didn’t stop there. Pocatello was already having a hard time when the recession and pandemic made things worse. The town also lost major employers like Heinz, Hoku, and ON Semiconductor. All of this has left Pocatello with an average household income under $45,000, a poverty rate of about 20%, and an unemployment rate around 7%. When people can’t find good jobs or make enough to live comfortably, it adds stress, worry, and a sense of hopelessness — all of which increase the risk of depression.
Feeling Cut Off From The Rest Of The State
Pocatello is in southeastern Idaho, which puts it far away from major cities and popular places. Being surrounded by mountains and deserts means there aren’t many nearby options for entertainment or relaxation. On top of that, Pocatello’s conservative and religious culture can make some people feel like they don’t belong. This combination — physical isolation and social exclusion — has led to a low social capital index of 0.46. That’s a way of measuring how much people trust each other, work together, and get involved in community activities. Pocatello’s low score means there’s less connection between neighbors and fewer community events. All of this leaves people feeling isolated, and that sense of isolation can make depression worse.
Environmental Problems Add To The Stress
Pocatello also faces some serious environmental challenges. Its location in a valley means the air pollution gets trapped, creating poor air quality. On top of that, the city is close to several industrial areas and a superfund site — a location that’s been officially listed as contaminated with hazardous waste. Climate change is making things even harder, with increasing risks of droughts, floods, and wildfires. As a result, Pocatello has an air quality index of just 38, a cancer risk of 42 per million, and a disaster risk score of 6.5. Living with this combination of environmental hazards adds stress, fear, and health problems, which all contribute to higher depression rates.
Final Thoughts
Pocatello has been named Idaho’s most depressed city by several sources, and it’s clear the city is dealing with serious problems. Economic struggles, social isolation, and environmental dangers all play a role in the city’s mental health crisis. Fixing these issues will take long-term efforts, better resources, and more mental health support for residents. Pocatello deserves attention, care, and real action to ease the depression crisis and help build a healthier community.
This Town Has Been Named The Most Depressed City In Idaho.
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