New study highlights Texas as one of most stressed states in U.S.

DALLAS (KDAF) — A new study by Legacy Healing Center reveals that stress levels vary significantly across the United States, with Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama ranking as the most stressed states.

The study evaluated stress using 31 metrics related to work, money, family, and health & safety, scoring all 50 states to determine where residents face the greatest pressures.

Ben Fox, spokesperson for Legacy Healing Center, commented on the pervasive nature of stress, stating, “Stress is woven into our daily lives, affecting everything from our sleep and mood to our relationships and productivity.”

Louisiana tops the list, with residents working 45.8 hours per week and nearly 40% reporting poor health. The state also faces high poverty rates, with almost 19% of residents affected, alongside widespread financial anxiety and bankruptcy.

Mississippi follows closely, with more than half of adults reporting money-related stress and bankruptcy rates at 298 per 100,000. Alabama rounds out the top three, facing the highest bankruptcy rates in the nation, widespread financial anxiety, and significant mental health concerns.

The rest of the top ten stressed states include Kentucky, West Virginia, Nevada, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee. Texas struggles with medical debt and sleep deprivation, according to the study. Other states experience long workweeks, high debt, limited sleep, and mental health challenges.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by CW33. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by CW33 staff before being published.