A survey of 19,000 individuals across 18 nations indicates that the United States ranks relatively high in terms of mental wellbeing, coming in as the sixth happiest nation among those studied. The analysis, conducted by insurance company AXA and market researchers Ipsos, assessed mental health across Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.
Participants aged 18 to 75 were asked about their perception of their mental health, experiences with anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. These responses were used to calculate a score reflecting the mental wellbeing of each nation's residents.
At the lower end of the mental wellbeing spectrum, Britain was identified as having the worst mental health in Europe, with over a third of adults reporting poor mental health and 30 percent experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and stress. This places Britain behind only Japan and South Korea in terms of national gloominess.
Conversely, Thailand reported the highest state of mental wellbeing, followed closely by Switzerland. The report noted that Britons are particularly concerned about uncertainty regarding the future, with half of UK respondents citing the rapidly changing world as a factor affecting their wellbeing.
Despite experiencing mental health concerns, 60 percent of individuals in the UK reported not speaking with a professional in the past year, with a quarter fearing judgment. Tara Foley, CEO of AXA UK & Ireland, expressed concern over the UK's findings, stating that the statistics represent significant struggles that require attention and compassion.
Intriguingly, the research also found that a notable percentage of Britons are turning to AI for mental health support, with 46 percent having used chatbots for this purpose, although this is below the global average of 63 percent. Two in five Britons surveyed even expressed more trust in AI than in mental health professionals for guidance. This trend emerges despite studies, including one from Oxford University, highlighting the potential dangers of AI in providing medical advice due to inaccuracies and failures to recognize urgent needs.
Official figures from the UK's Office for National Statistics have shown a consistent decline in life satisfaction among Britons since the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially linked to a decrease in living standards.
Japan has also faced mental health challenges, with the proportion of its population suffering from depression more than doubling between 2013 and 2020. The country also saw an increase in its suicide rate in 2020, the first such rise in 11 years, with women reportedly being disproportionately affected due to factors like domestic violence, childcare pressures, and financial strain. Children also experienced difficulties due to prolonged periods at home during school closures.
Switzerland consistently ranks high in global happiness reports, often attributed to its high standard of living, strong economy, and healthcare system. Thailand, often called the 'Land of Smiles,' benefits from a culture that emphasizes finding enjoyment in everyday activities, known as 'sanuk.'