Denver, the bustling capital of Colorado known for its outdoorsy lifestyle and booming job market, has recently earned an unwanted distinction: it is now considered the most depressed city in the state. According to recent data from both national and local sources, Denver ranks among the least happy cities in the United States, signaling deeper concerns about mental health trends in Colorado’s urban centers.
A report released in March 2025 by WalletHub placed Denver 96th out of 182 U.S. cities in overall happiness. This ranking takes into account emotional and physical well-being, income and employment stability, and community engagement. While Denver showed moderate strength in emotional and physical wellness, it performed poorly in categories related to income and social connectedness.
Rising Depression Rates in Denver
More critically, public health data suggest a growing mental health crisis in Denver. According to the Denver Public Health Department, one in eight residents experiences symptoms of clinical depression at any given time. About 15% of adults report at least eight days per month of significant psychological distress—long enough to meet criteria for clinical intervention.
“Many people think of Denver as a healthy city because of its active lifestyle,” says a spokesperson from Denver Public Health. “But mental health doesn’t always follow physical health trends, and the data clearly show we have work to do.”
Colorado Springs Also Affected
Denver is not alone in facing mental health challenges. Colorado Springs, the second-largest city in the state, also ranks high for depression prevalence. According to a study compiled by CEUFast, 22.2% of Colorado Springs residents have been diagnosed with depression.
Part of the mental health burden is attributed to the city’s substantial military and veteran population. “Veterans often face unique mental health challenges including PTSD and suicide risk,” noted the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
A Reddit discussion involving local residents echoes the sentiment, with many pointing to the city’s fast-paced growth, income disparities, and lack of mental health resources as key stressors.
Statewide Struggles with Mental Health
At the state level, Colorado has long struggled with mental health metrics. A 2023 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that 29.8% of Colorado adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorders—a figure slightly below the national average of 32.3%, but still cause for concern.
The state also faces persistent challenges in providing adequate mental health care access. Although Colorado ranks 17th nationally for access to care, many communities—particularly in rural areas—remain underserved, according to Mental Health Colorado.
Positive Momentum: Policy and Insurance Coverage
There are some signs of progress. Colorado ranks 8th in the U.S. for the number of residents with mental illness who have insurance, thanks in part to Medicaid expansion and state-led mental health initiatives.
Governor Jared Polis has made mental health a key priority of his administration. The Colorado Department of Human Services’ Office of Behavioral Health has launched multiple programs aimed at increasing access to therapy, crisis intervention, and substance use treatment.
In 2023, Colorado also launched the I Matter program, offering free mental health sessions for youth—a demographic heavily affected by the isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Cultural Shift Toward Awareness
Experts agree that stigma surrounding mental health is gradually lifting, but much work remains.
“People are more willing to talk about anxiety and depression than ever before,” says Dr. Linda Carlson, a psychologist based in Boulder. “But that doesn’t mean the resources are there when they need them. Long wait times and high costs are still a barrier.”
Community organizations, healthcare providers, and lawmakers are increasingly aligned in viewing mental health not as a personal failing, but as a public health issue—one that demands systemic solutions.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help:
- Colorado Crisis Services: Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255 – coloradocrisisservices.org
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 – 988lifeline.org
- I Matter (Free youth therapy): imattercolorado.org
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