A recent study highlights a global decline in mental well-being, revealing the UK’s troubling second-place ranking as one of the most discontented nations.
Conducted by Sapien Labs, a research group, the annual “Mental State of the World” survey surveyed over 400,000 individuals across 71 countries. The findings underscore a persistent lack of recovery from the initial mental health repercussions of the pandemic.
Scoring a mere 49 on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale, which ranges from -100 (indicating extreme dissatisfaction) to 200, the UK’s placement is just above Uzbekistan, the lowest-scoring country. Notably, 35% of Britons reported experiencing distress.
The study reveals a noteworthy correlation between wealth and unhappiness, with wealthier nations demonstrating lower scores. Conversely, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania—non-English-speaking developing countries—emerge as the world’s happiest places, exhibiting a profound ability to savor life compared to many developed nations.
Australia, Tajikistan, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan occupy the bottom ranks on the list, with Europe and North America displaying overall poor performance, indicative of a broader trend.
While the report’s findings may prompt negativity, the authors advocate for viewing it as a catalyst for action in the UK. They highlight positive aspects such as London’s recognition as Europe’s premier city and Glasgow’s thriving live music scene.
This survey contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse surrounding mental health on a global scale.
