Depression nation: 16 saddest states

Are Americans struggling in their pursuit of happiness? An estimated one in 10 U.S. adults report depression, which in addition to taking a heavy emotional toll can worsen many physical ailments, including asthma, cancer, and obesity. But rates of depression are much higher in some states than in others, according to the most recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Which states are saddest? Keep clicking to see which states had the highest rates of "depressive episodes" in 2008-2009...

16. Missouri

Missouri kicks off the list of most depressed states - 7.11 percent of Missourians reported at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

15. Kentucky

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.15

14. Washington

washington, roads, driving — Flickr/diamond_rain

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.24

13. Wisconsin

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.32

12. Oklahoma

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.4

11. Wyoming

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.42

10. Utah

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.49

9. Idaho

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.52

8. Colorado

colorado, state, 4x3, generic — istockphoto

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.54

7. Oregon

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.58

6. New Hampshire

hanover, new hampshire — Wikimedia Commons

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.62

5. Minnesota

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.64

4. West Virginia

charleston, west virginia — Wikimedia Commons

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.75

3. Arkansas

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 7.89

2. Indiana

Percentage who reported at least one major depressive episode in past year: 8.19

1. Rhode Island

rhode island, state sign, generic, 4x3 — iStockPhoto

The smallest state in the U.S. is also the saddest - 9.46 percent of Rhode Islanders reported at least one major depressive episode in the past year.