New research ranks mental health across the globe
A new study from Mental Health First Aid Course, part of Skills Training Group, has demonstrated significant disparities in mental health wellbeing worldwide
The Mental Health Index evaluates key indicators such as mental disorder prevalence, suicide rates, and socio-economic factors to offer an overall view of each country’s national mental health wellbeing.
According to the study, Turkey’s mental health wellbeing scored highest overall. Despite facing challenges such as high long-term unemployment (23.97% of the unemployed) and air pollution levels (21.1μg/m³), Turkey demonstrates relatively low rates of disorders, including a schizophrenia prevalence of 0.25% and a depressive disorders rate of 3.94%.
Canada comes in second, with a suicide rate of 11.8 per 100,000 people and a low mental health disorder prevalence rate. The country exemplifies a balanced approach to work and mental wellbeing, supported by an average of 1,685 working hours per year and a long-term unemployment rate of 10.75%.
Celebrated for its exceptional quality of life and robust mental health support systems, Denmark secured the third position. The country’s low prevalence of mental health disorders and suicide rate of 10.7 per 100,000 might be reflective of the success of its healthcare system and social support networks.
Bulgaria and Finland complete the top five, demonstrating strong mental health frameworks despite facing distinct challenges. Bulgaria battles with economic issues while Finland shows a high suicide rate of 15.3 per 100,000. However, both countries are highly ranked, having made significant improvements in mental health awareness and support services.
Countries requiring attention
Meanwhile, the index identifies Lithuania, Italy, Greece, the US, and Portugal as countries where mental health wellbeing requires urgent attention.
Lithuania has the highest suicide rate in the dataset (26.1 per 100,000) while Italy and Greece struggle with the repercussions of economic strain and high unemployment rates. Furthermore, Italy’s high air pollution levels (18.9μg/m³) and Greece’s substantial poverty rate highlight the environmental and socio-economic factors contributing to mental health challenges.
The US stands out for its high number of deaths attributed to substance use disorders and widespread insufficient physical activity. Alongside this, a prevalence of mental health disorders exacerbates the country’s situation with a 0.43% rate of schizophrenia and a 4.38% rate of depressive disorders.
Among the bottom five, Portugal displayed the highest level of insufficient physical activity (46.3%) alongside significant rates of depressive (4.39%) and anxiety disorders (8.03%).
Meanwhile, the index suggested the UK faces significant challenges with high rates of depressive (4.098%), anxiety (4.460%), and bipolar (1.094%) disorders among its population. The relatively high suicide rate of 7.9 further emphasises the need for effective mental health support and intervention strategies. Additionally, the high long-term unemployment rate of 24.4% and poverty rate of 18.9% could exacerbate mental health issues.
The results of the study highlight the complex interplay between lifestyle, healthcare access, and mental health outcomes across the world.
Evaluating effective mental health strategies for employees, the Head of Accident and Health at Aviva, Luke Powis, recently spoke to ITIJ about his role, challenges in the industry, and the importance of wellbeing initiatives in the workplace.