Ohio boasts numerous attractions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cedar Point amusement park, and Hocking Hills State Park. However, the state grapples with significant challenges like elevated poverty, unemployment, and crime rates, impacting residents’ stress levels as they navigate daily life.
So, which Ohio city faces the most stress? According to WalletHub, Cleveland takes the lead. The study, assessing 180 cities nationwide based on 40 stress indicators, placed Cleveland at the top for the third consecutive year, scoring poorly across various metrics.
Why Cleveland is Highly Stressed
Cleveland, with its rich history and culture, contends with numerous issues. The city has felt the impact of the decline in manufacturing, its primary income source. Racial tensions, political corruption, and environmental problems, exemplified by the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, further add to its challenges.
Factors making Cleveland the most stressed city in the U.S. include:
- Financial stress: Cleveland’s poverty rate stands at 30.8%, the highest among large U.S. cities, accompanied by a 9.1% unemployment rate—well above the national average of 5.9%. The median household income is $29,628, less than half the national median. With a low income-to-home-price ratio of 3.08%, the average income falls short of affording the average home price.
- Family stress: Cleveland leads in the U.S. with a divorce rate of 15.9%, coupled with a high prevalence of single-parent households (59.7%). The city also has a low marriage rate, with only 22.4% of its residents married.
- Health and safety stress: Cleveland records the lowest life expectancy (71.9 years) among large U.S. cities, along with high rates of obesity (34.5%), violent crime (1,556.8 incidents per 100,000 people), and suicide (14.3 deaths per 100,000 people).
Managing Stress in Cleveland
While stress is an inherent part of life, its negative effects on physical and mental health can be mitigated. Residents can employ various strategies to cope with stress:
- Seeking professional help: If stress becomes overwhelming, seeking support from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, is advisable. Resources like the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, the Cleveland Clinic, and the MetroHealth System are available in Cleveland.
- Practicing self-care: Taking care of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through activities like sufficient sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and leisure can enhance mood, energy, and resilience. Cleveland offers venues like the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Lake Erie shoreline for self-care.
- Building social support: Establishing a network of family, friends, or community members can provide emotional, practical, and informational support. Joining clubs, groups, or volunteer organizations, attending religious services, or reaching out to helplines are ways to build social support in Cleveland.
Conclusion
WalletHub’s recent study designates Cleveland as Ohio’s and the U.S.’s most stressed city. While the city grapples with various challenges, including financial, family, health, and safety issues, there are avenues for stress management and well-being. Seeking professional help, practicing self-care, and building social support are vital strategies for Cleveland to overcome its challenges with the strength of its people and resources.
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