According to the World Health Organization, “There is no health without mental health.”1 A national report stated that in 2015 nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (43.4 million, or 17.9%) suffered from a mental illness and that 9.8 million Americans (4% of all adults) had a serious mental illness.2 Although one recent in-depth study showed Utah ranking slightly below the national average in the percentage of adults who suffer from poor mental health, the state regularly reports rates higher than the national average for depression.3 Another recent study that considered both the percentage of adults with mental illness and their access to affordable care (among other factors) ranked Utah last out of all 50 states plus D.C.4 Utah women, like women nationally, are diagnosed with depression at much higher rates than men.5 Understanding the factors surrounding mental illness and increasing access to successful treatment and support will improve the overall well-being of women in Utah.

This research snapshot focuses on three key areas:

1) An overview of mental health rates for women, including key demographics;

2) An analysis of factors surrounding mental health conditions in Utah; and

3) A discussion of current efforts being made in the state to improve mental health among women.