State of Depression? Michigan’s Rank in USA’s Happiest States

Michigan has four distinct seasons, each with its unique charm and hassles. But when winter rolls in, it seems to blow our sunny dispositions and bright moods away while simultaneously denying us sunlight. As a result, Michigan residents experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at higher rates than most states, which may explain our less-than-stellar ranking in WalletHub's 2024 Happiest States in America study.

RELATED: Cyberbullying Hits Kids Hardest in These 9 Michigan Cities

According to a recent Detroit Free Press report, Michigan ranks among the top five in the country for SAD. But how does the Mitten State rank for overall happiness compared to the rest of America? First, let's figure out why we are so gloomy.

The Dark Reality of Michigan Winters

With an average of 474 hours of sunlight over six months (yup, you read that right), Michigan doesn't exactly bathe it's residents in the warm glow of the Sun's rays. However, we do get rain, snow, and the sixth-highest humidity level in the country--the perfect recipe for SAD.

It's almost as if Mother Nature herself is asking Michiganders: "Why be happy when you could live in the dark and shovel snow?"

We get it. Other states have sunshine, tans, and year-round outdoor activities that don't require snow pants and hand warmers. Meanwhile, Michiganders will continue to layer up and crank up the light therapy boxes, and we hope we make it to May without making our loved ones miserable.

RELATED: When To Expect the First Frost in Michigan

So, while we're not exactly leaping for joy in Michigan's dreary winters, we aren't totally down in the dumps either. As you'll see in WalletHub's ranking of the Happiest States in America, Michigan's just kind of--'meh.'