UK ranked second most unhappy country in global survey for mental health
Conducted as part of their annual “Mental State of the World” survey, which surveyed over 400,000 individuals across 71 countries, the findings underscore a persistent lack of recovery from the initial mental health impact of the pandemic.
The UK scored poorly, registering a mere 49 on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale, which ranges from -100 (indicating significant dissatisfaction) to 200. This positioned the UK just above Uzbekistan, the lowest-ranking country, with a notable 35% of Britons reporting feeling distressed.
Interestingly, the study revealed a correlation between wealth and unhappiness, with wealthier nations generally scoring lower on the scale. In contrast, the happiest countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, are all non-English-speaking developing nations known for their ability to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
The report highlights Australia, Tajikistan, Brazil, South Africa, the UK, and Uzbekistan as the worst-performing countries. Moreover, it indicates a broader trend of poor mental wellbeing across Europe and North America.
Despite the potentially disheartening findings, the authors of the report urge the UK to view it as a call to action rather than a source of negativity. They underline positive aspects, such as London being recognised as Europe’s best city and Glasgow’s vibrant live music scene.
This survey contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding mental health worldwide, emphasising the need for heightened attention to mental wellbeing in various countries, including the UK. Further research may be warranted to explore underlying factors contributing to the observed decline in mental health on a global scale.
