West Virginia has the highest rates of both diabetes-related deaths and adult depression in the U.S., according to the CDC.
In 2020, 27.5% of West Virginians reported depression—far above the national average of 18.4%. The state also recorded 41.1 diabetes-related deaths per 100,000 people, the highest in the country.
Experts point to several contributing factors: high smoking and obesity rates, poverty, low education levels, and poor access to health care. West Virginia also struggles with a severe shortage of doctors, especially mental health providers.
Some patients wait months for care, including children facing mental health crises.
Lifestyle risks are also at play. The state has the nation’s highest smoking rate (21%) and one of the highest obesity rates (41.2%). Both are strongly linked to diabetes. Meanwhile, economic stress and mental health stigma make depression harder to address.
While the challenges are complex, small steps can help. Quitting smoking, improving diet, and exercising regularly can lower diabetes risk and boost mood.
Mental health apps and teletherapy are also becoming more accessible, offering support even in rural areas.
Taking care of both physical and mental health is essential. Seeking help is not weakness—it’s strength.
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