This indicator shows the percent of adults who reported that their mental health was not good 14-30 days in the past 30 days. Rates of frequent mental distress in NH and VT are similar to the US overall, ranging from 12-13% in 2018. These rates have been relatively consistent over the past five years, however, from 2017 to 2018, frequent mental distress increased 9% from 11.9% to 13.0% in VT. The average number of mentally unhealthy days in the last 30 days in Windsor County, VT was 4.2 compared to 4.0 for the state in 2019. Poor mental health status may lead to risky health behavior and is related to social determinants of health and access to care. Efforts to reduce financial barriers to health care and address behavioral health needs can help to reduce mental distress.

Data sources: County Health Rankings and America’s Health Rankings