Research has identified the most stressed populations based on six factors.
The team at CBDoile.nl examined depression prevalence in the past year in each European country, anxiety prevalence, and survey respondents who reportedly experienced stress frequently.
Additional factors included in the analysis included self-reported feelings of frequent sadness, reports of not experiencing joy frequently, and the average weekly hours worked.
Each factor was then included in an index to create an overall “stress score” out of 100.
From the findings, Greece was revealed to be the most stressed country in Europe, followed by Turkey then Portugal.
Malta and Cyprus ranked fourth and fifth respectively, with the full list (in order from most stressed to least stressed) as follows:
- Greece
- Turkey
- Portugal
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Ireland
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- Switzerland
- Lithuania
- Montenegro
- Luxembourg
- Germany
- Belgium
- Norway
- Finland
- United Kingdom
- Serbia
- Sweden
- Slovenia
- Croatia
- Austria
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Bulgaria
- Latvia
- Romania
- Estonia
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Czechia
- Slovakia
- Poland
- Denmark.
Do note that due to the ongoing war, Ukraine and Russia were omitted from the rankings.
The UK ranked 18th place, with 25 percent of the population reporting frequent feelings of sadness.
In contrast, Denmark ranked as the least stressed country in Europe.
A spokesperson for the research study said: “The past five years have provided a constant source of uncertainty for many.”
Factors cited as contributing to the uncertainty included the cost of living crisis and the pandemic.
“It’s no surprise to see that stress levels across Europe are so high,” the spokesperson added.
How to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and sadness
The Jed Foundation advocates for “better self-care habits”, such as “doing activities that engage multiple senses”.
Examples include:
- Watching a favourite movie or show
- Looking at art, or a sunset
- Listening to or making music that expresses how you feel
- Touching a favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or other textured objects
- Connecting with others or talking to a friend or loved one
- Giving to others or getting involved with your community through volunteering
- Moving your body like walking or running, working out, dancing, or playing sports
- Playing with your pets
- Creating something, like art, music, crafts, gardening, mosaics
- Journaling with pen and paper, or voice recording
- Crying.
You will also need to check in with your physical and emotional needs, such as:
- Getting enough sleep, water, and healthy food
- Ensuring you have enough leisure time compared to your time working.
The NHS also offers talking therapies for those who are continuing to struggle with their mental health.
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