LAS VEGAS -- According to the Associated Press Economic Stress Index, Nevada took the number one spot as the most stressed state. In fact, three Nevada counties ranked in the top 25.
Clark County came in at spot number 17. It's no wonder as the main factors in the study focused on two areas that have hit Nevadans particularly hard -- housing and employment.
While the stress in most states declined in the past year, Nevada saw a steep increase from February 2008 to 2009.
Regina White didn't need a study to tell her she's stressed. "It is so difficult. It is really difficult," she said. White has been unemployed for a year-and-a-half. "How can you pay your bills or keep your house? Even medical. I have no medical right now."
"People are just floundering so it very understandable that we would be considered stressed," said Dr. Marv Glovinsky, psychologist.
Glovinsky says the majority of his patients are coping with stress. "I see a heck of a lot of depression and the depression is based on real life circumstances," he said.
Those circumstances are many of the same issues cited in the study which are unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy.
"We have an economy that's really taking it on the chin," Glovinsky said.
"I didn't think it would be like this when I first moved here," said LaJeune Brown who left Chicago nearly five years ago. She has a college degree and can't find steady work. "I've been looking for a job for about three years." Her bills keep piling up and so does her stress level. "A lot of stress, a lot of frustration."
Glovinsky says his best advice to patients is to try and remain optimistic. He says a positive outlook does help people get through tough times.
White is taking his advice one day at a time.
"I try to be hopeful everyday that something will come through," she said.
