Forget about traffic, taxes, and the dire situation between the Jets and Giants.
In fact, New Jersey ranks among the nation’s leading states when it comes to mental health and well-being, according to a report compiled by medical staffing firm Soliant Health.
New Jersey ranks No. 6 overall in Soliant’s Happiest and Healthiest States report, released this week to coincide with National Mental Health Awareness Month. The Atlanta-based company says the Garden State stands out for its mental health resources and resident well-being.
Nebraska topped the list, followed by Connecticut and Massachusetts. New Jersey also performed well due to fewer “mentally unhealthy days” recorded by state residents in ongoing CDC surveys.
recipe for happiness
Soliant focused on three main categories: access to mental health care professionals, the number of bad mental health days people reported, and the availability of resources for physical activity. The report also looked at youth suicide rates, unemployment, violent crime and the number of “orphaned” young people who are not working or attending school.
The report says the presence of a significant number of health care providers in the state gives New Jersey residents more opportunities to seek help when they need it, ensuring timely and effective mental health care.
West Virginia was last, followed by Alabama and Arkansas.
Access to mental health care
Michael Tozzoli, CEO of Ridgewood-based West Bergen Mental Health Care, said mental health professionals in New Jersey are seeing an increase in the number of people suffering from depression and other issues related to the coronavirus outbreak. He said he was exhausted by the increase. But things are getting better. Tozzoli, who developed a training camp for counselors to meet demand, said more people are finding the help they need, albeit slowly.
“We’re a wealthy state when it comes to mental health services,” he said, adding that the region’s density means more health care providers are available.
Tozzoli also pointed to the openness of the top states to discussing mental health. That acceptance helps reduce stigma and increases the likelihood that someone will seek help, he said.
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“New Jersey is at the bottom, 49th or 50th depending on whose data you look at. [for] “So we’re a little more open-minded about mental health,” he said.
“Just the fact that we talk about mental health a little more often, with the number of agencies and the number of private practices, may cause some people to think and think, ‘What can I do to improve my own mental health?’ “No,” Tozzoli said. Can I spend more time with my family? Can I take a day off? ”
having a bad day
Data on “mentally unhealthy days” comes from a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey that asks 400,000 people each year how many days they experienced stress, depression, or emotional problems in the previous month.
healthy body, healthy mind
Access to exercise and outdoor activities plays an important role in mental health, Soliant stated in its report: Highly ranked states had more access to gyms, public parks, and recreational facilities. Regular physical activity may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, according to a report.
There is room for improvement
The Garden State performed well on several measures, but received an average rating when it came to violent crime. in Soliant ranking. Air quality is another weakness, as are mental health issues among New Jersey’s youth, according to the report.
Happiest and healthiest states, according to Soliant
- nebraska
- connecticut
- Massachusetts
- minnesota
- rhode island
- new jersey
- vermont state
- colorado
- north dakota
- Utah
Jean Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from our local community. Subscribe or activate your digital account now.
Email: myers@northjersey.com
twitter: @myersgene
