My last two blogs have mentioned anxiety and depression which seem to be a huge factor affecting life in the UK.
I thought I would make some comparisons to some other countries, and try and separate the various causes which appear to heighten stress levels and result in mental health problems.
Despite our current dissatisfaction with many things such as the NHS, education, politics, and the increasing levels of poverty alongside an increasing wealth sector, we still like to consider ourselves a civilized, financially and politically stable country.
We have a democratic voting system, free speech which allows us to express feelings and opinions regarding how we live our lives, free health care and education.
This is a privilege denied to many countries such as North Korea, which have no say in how they are run and cannot voice any opinions.
Some countries, such as Somalia, are poverty stricken due to their geographic location, and as a result health care, education and employment amount to very little, resulting in a high mortality rate, and an inability to flourish.
Political unrest in the form of war and persecution, such as in Yemen, may go on for years, putting populations at risk and fearing for their lives, which naturally heighten stress levels.
Natural disasters, such as the recent one in Hawaii, may decimate a country or island, changing a way of life overnight, and bringing enormous upheaval and devastation with it.
It is therefore quite easy to spot some of the stressors which could impact on the individuals of certain countries, such as a war situation or living with a natural disaster.
It is not so easy to spot why people in civilized, stable countries are suffering from stress which is leading on to anxiety and depression.
Breaking it down a bit, there are certain components which differ from country to country but present the same reaction.
It could be financial, with low wages simply not covering the cost of living, and no hope of improvement. Many African and South American countries are caught in this trap.This can be for a country as a whole, or a certain section of the country. It would seem that we fit into the latter category, especially since Covid and the current cost rise in daily living.
Unemployment appears to understandably account for a high proportion of stress levels, but in the U.K. they are also high within the workplace.
Why should that be?
Over the years, manual work has been replaced by people working in office environments, often using technology, which require pressurized deadlines and dealing with mass information, which seem at times to overload the brain. This is perhaps something that individuals are not comfortable with.
Unfortunately in many work places, a culture of bullying and discrimination exists, which puts added pressure on to the job in hand. Individuals feel threatened and are often frightened to report incidents, for fear of victimization.
Lack of somewhere to stay can be a huge problem.Some countries are very used to this, and find ways around it by living with extended family, or if the climate allows it, can create makeshift housing.
In the U.K. this is becoming a huge problem. Not enough appropriate homes are being built, and the cost of owning or renting a home has become unaffordable for many, causing huge strain on families and their finances.
The break down of human relationships such as divorce can also be a stressful factor, which may have been exacerbated by some of the previous triggers mentioned.Starting out on one`s own may be fine for some with a healthy bank balance, but can be the
cause of many stresses particularly where children are involved.
Add to this the U.K.`s relentless materialistic pursuit. It`s like comparing it to a merry go round. Going at speed and unable to come off. Rushing to work which is not fulfilling, rushing home, spending little time with family and friends, in order to make money to buy things which are thought to bring happiness, but often create and add to stress. Individuals are missing out on so many small but important things in life, such as taking time to spend out of doors with family, and appreciating comforting things.
I did a blog some months back on the happiest places to stay. The Nordic countries always seem to be in the top spots, as they live life at a slower pace, are grateful for the important things in life, spend time out of doors and appreciate nature.
At the moment that is not the model being used by the U.K.
The evidence is there to see, so we should all be taking heed.
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