A recent report on mental wellbeing reveals that the UK is currently one of the least satisfied countries in the world, surpassed only by Uzbekistan. As the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pressure of the cost of living crisis persist, Britain finds itself ranked 70th out of 71 countries for overall mental wellbeing, with an average score worrying 49 compared to the global level. average of 65.
The study, conducted by US-based think tank Sapien Labs, looked at factors including mood, social self, motivation, adaptability, cognition and the mind-body connection. With responses from more than 500,000 people in 71 countries, the study attributes the lowest scores in rich countries to early smartphone use, consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), and a breakup. interpersonal relationships leading to increased loneliness.
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In the UK, 35% of people surveyed express distress or difficulties related to their mental wellbeing, which particularly affects young adults and economically disadvantaged families. The report notes a decline in mental well-being among 18-24 year olds since 2020, indicating a difficult period marked by economic recessions, an unrelenting cost of living crisis and a turbulent housing market.
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Factors contributing to the UK's mental wellbeing crisis include political instability, exacerbated by changes in Prime Minister and scandals like Partygate. The study also highlights the negative impact of consuming ultra-processed foods, which make up 60-70% of diets in the UK and US. People who regularly eat such foods report significantly poorer mental well-being, underscoring the link between diet and mental health.
While the well-being of those over 65 has remained relatively stable, it is young people, particularly those aged 18 to 24, who have shown the least improvement since 2020. The report particularly highlights the stark contrast between the most rich and the less rich, with the less rich countries of Africa and Africa. Latin America scores highest on well-being.
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The overall findings highlight the pressing need to understand the factors influencing collective mental well-being in the post-pandemic era. Scientists are calling for deeper understanding to align goals with the true prosperity of individuals. The survey used the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) to assess cognitive and emotional abilities, producing an overall mental well-being score. This report is a vital call to address the complex factors impacting mental health globally.
