The mental wellbeing of individuals across the globe has been under scrutiny lately, and a recent report has shed light on some concerning findings. According to the annual “Mental State of the World” survey conducted by Sapien Labs, the UK has been ranked second-worst for mental wellbeing among 71 countries surveyed.
This survey, which gathered responses from over 400,000 individuals, indicates a pervasive decline in mental health, with the repercussions of the pandemic still lingering. The UK’s performance on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale, where it scored a dismal 49, places it just above Uzbekistan, the lowest-scoring country. Alarmingly, the survey revealed that 35% of Britons reported feeling distressed, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the correlation observed between wealth and unhappiness, with affluent nations ranking lower on the scale. Surprisingly, some of the happiest countries identified in the survey, such as the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, are non-English-speaking developing nations. This suggests that perhaps there are valuable lessons to be learned about finding joy and contentment from cultures that are not traditionally associated with economic prosperity.
Among the countries ranking poorly, Australia, Tajikistan, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan stand out. The trend of poor mental wellbeing is not confined to a particular region, as both Europe and North America also performed below par.
While the findings of this survey might appear disheartening at first glance, the authors urge the UK to view them as a clarion call for action rather than succumbing to despondency. They point out positive aspects of British life, such as London being recognized as Europe’s best city and Glasgow boasting a vibrant live music scene. These elements serve as reminders that amidst the challenges, there are still sources of joy and vitality to be celebrated.