If you’re seeking a happier and more fulfilling life, a glance at the nations where residents report high levels of mental wellbeing might provide some insights into achieving just that.
According to the fourth Annual Mental State of the World Report, compiled by Sapien Labs, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Panama stand out as countries with the best mental health indicators.
The report, which surveyed over 500,000 responses to gauge cognitive and emotional capabilities across 71 countries, sheds light on a notable trend: several African and Latin American nations lead the rankings, while wealthier countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia rank lower.
This observation challenges the assumption that greater wealth and economic development necessarily equate to better mental wellbeing, as highlighted by the report’s findings.
The COVID-19 pandemic popularized the term “languishing” to describe a widespread sense of malaise, contrasting with the concept of “flourishing,” which denotes not just the absence of mental illness but the presence of positive mental health.
Sapien Labs attributes the relative flourishing of African and Latin American countries to factors such as strong family ties, which have long been recognized as crucial for mental wellbeing. The report emphasizes that socially connected individuals and communities tend to be happier and healthier, better equipped to navigate challenges and find solutions.
Moreover, the report underscores the impact of lifestyle factors on mental health, including diet and technology use. Research reveals that daily consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to higher rates of mental distress, while the age at which individuals first own a smartphone significantly influences their mental health, with younger ownership associated with increased risks.
The findings challenge prevailing assumptions about the drivers of mental wellbeing and emphasize the importance of social connectedness, healthy lifestyle choices, and balanced technology use.
Top 10 Countries for Mental Wellbeing:
Dominican Republic
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Panama
Malaysia
Nigeria
Venezuela
El Salvador
Costa Rica
Uruguay
Lowest-ranking Countries for Mental Wellbeing:
Uzbekistan
UK
South Africa
Brazil
Tajikistan
Australia
Egypt
Ireland
Iraq
Yemen
