I know there are statistics that say a certain percentage of the population suffers from depression. As an example, that maybe 15% of all women suffer from depression (don't know how accurate that is, just using it as an example). What I am wondering is, might there be any statistics to compare how many women in pennsylvania (percentage) suffer from major depression as opposed to how many women in florida suffer from depression?

Since I have read that a sunny climate has a positive effect on mood, then it would seem logical that major depression should be a lot lower in florida than in pennsyvlania. The reason I ask is that my daughter suffers from major depression and hasn't had much luck with medications, etc. Unfortunately, we live in dreary pittsburgh and she starts getting even worse when the winter rolls around. She doesn't feel like she can go thru another winter here in pgh. She wants to move to the tampa area because of the beaches, warm climate, etc. But other than me has no other family members and is afraid to relocate on her own (she is 29). She is my only child, and I can't enjoy my life seeing her suffer, so I am considering uprooting myself (i've lived here all my life) and relocating down there. I am excited but apprehensive at the same time since it means looking for new jobs (with the payscale being lower down there) and learning how to get around, etc.

I would hate to think that we would go thru all the stress and trouble of moving, and away from friends, although we do know some people down there, only to find that the warmer climate doesn't help -- although I cannot see how it would not boost her mood. I do know there is a big cultural difference in that area as opposed to the pgh. Area, and i'm sure there would be considerable adjusting to that. I am just hoping that the positive aspect of the weather, etc. Would not be offset by other factors. If it helped her depression, it would be worth the other adjustments that might need to be made. By the way, I would not just be making the move just for my daughter's benefit. I am 59 and as I am getting older I don't care for the cold and treacherous walking conditions in the winter weather, etc.

Anyway, I thought it might be interesting to view statistics on the percentage of people who suffer from major depression in florida as compared to pennsylvania to see if, in fact, the warm climate does truly play a big part and show up in the statistics. Can anyone offer any insight? Thanks for any help.