A recent report on mental health reveals that the UK is now one of the least satisfied countries in the world, second only to Uzbekistan. As the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pressure of the cost of living continues, Britain finds itself ranked 70th out of 71 countries for overall mental health, and The average score is 49 when compared to the global average of 65.
The study, conducted by US-based think tank Sapien Labs, looked at factors including mood, social interaction, motivation, adaptability, cognition and emotional connection. With responses from more than 500,000 people in 71 countries, the study says that the lowest rate in rich countries is the use of the first smartphone, consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF), and segregation. Social relationships lead to increased loneliness.
In the UK, 35% of people surveyed report suffering or difficulties related to their mental health, which affects young people and families with economic problems. The report notes a decline in mental health among 18-24-year-olds since 2020, reflecting a difficult period characterized by economic recession, unrelenting cost of living problems and a turbulent housing market.
Contributing factors to the mental health crisis in the UK include political turmoil, exacerbated by changes in the Prime Minister and scandals such as Partygate. The study also highlighted the negative impact of eating processed foods, which make up 60-70% of food in the UK and US. People who regularly eat such foods report poorer mental health, emphasizing the link between diet and mental health.
While the well-being of the over-65s remains stable, it is younger people, particularly those aged 18 to 24, who have shown the least improvement since 2020. The report shows a gap between the most the rich and the poor, with the less rich countries of Africa and Africa. Latin America is the highest score on well-being. The overall findings highlight the urgent need to understand the drivers of collective well-being in times of crisis, as scientists argue for a deeper understanding to support goals and the true progress of individuals. The survey uses the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) to assess cognitive and emotional abilities, providing a comprehensive mental health score. This report is a critical call to address the complexities affecting mental health worldwide.
