The nerve of these people! Last month, the New York Times ranked the anxiety levels of all 50 states, and what do you know, Maine came in at number one in nervousness. Vacationland beat the national average by a jitter-inducing 21 percentage points – and within the state, it was found that no place was more on edge than Aroostook’s own Presque Isle.
I know what you’re thinking – and we’re as perplexed as you are. Presque Isle has a lot going for it: low crime, friendly people, a slow pace and beautiful natural surroundings. All the ingredients for a truly calming place to live. So we did some digging to try to get to the bottom of this ranking. Here’s what we found.
"The Epicenter of Anxiety"
Presque Isle is a town of around 9,000 in the northern reaches of Aroostook County. Like many Maine locales, it's surrounded by beautiful wilderness, wildlife and limitless outdoor opportunities. It also has more commercial conveniences than most towns in The County, acting as the retail hub for the greater area. So what could be making its people so uneasy?
Agricultural Hardship
Many people in Presque Isle make a good, honest living in potato farming, but there's no denying that it's a tough life. A good harvest – and the farmer's livelihood – is often at the mercy of Mother Nature. That kind of uncertainty would put gray hairs on anyone's head.
Economic Stress
By the 1880s, Presque Isle was home to two lumbermills, a gristmill, a wool carding mill, a furniture factory, a carriage factory and a tinware factory. Today, more than 20% of Presque Isle residents live in poverty and more than 16% are unemployed – both well above national and Maine averages.
The Effects of Addiction
Addiction, particularly to prescription opiates, has become a harsh reality of many Maine towns. And some of the worst addiction rates occur in rural areas just like Presque Isle. One common symptom of opioid withdrawal? You got it: anxiety.
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Access to Treatment
It's a matter of geography. The people of Presque Isle just don't have access to the same mental health resources as people from more populous areas. In many cases, they're turning to Google for answers, which could explain the high rate of searches for anxiety and related treatments.
Seasonal Depression
We should be used to it, but it comes as a shock every year. Short days, lack of sun, freezing temperatures and lots of snow are proven to cause depression over time. Up north, it can be a long five or six months.
Don't Worry, There's a Silver Lining
When things get you down, or you're feeling overwhelmed, just look out your window or take a step outside. We're so lucky to live in Maine. It's the way life should be. Calm, tranquil and, hopefully, stress free.
We all have different ways of dealing with stress? What are the most anxiety-inducing parts about the place you live, and how do you deal with it? We can all get through this together!
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