It turns out that happiness can be measured after all. Measuring countries’ happiness index was started in 2012, by the UN, to help countries make better public policies.
The happiness Index basically shows how people living in the country feel about their lives, and how much they trust their government and system.
It underlines a better understanding of the quality of life of citizens and the success of public policies in the country such as GDP growth, purchasing power, military resources, and trade connections.
In addition, out of 146 countries, a few countries always ranked at the top of the list, and the rest of them remain at the bottom.
Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Switzerland have always stayed at the top of the list, whereas Afghanistan, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Botswana are at the bottom of the list.
Image credit: Visual capitalist
However, developing nations like India ranks at 136th position in the 2022 report which is higher than the past rank of 2021.
But it’s still not a reason to celebrate, considering the ranking is low and countries like Nepal(84), Bangladesh(94), Pakistan(121), and Sri Lanka (127) are at better ranks than that.
The top 5 countries in the index, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and the Netherlands have shown very few cases of mental health issues.
Top 10 countries who ranked top on the list
Happiness is a process and it can be best learned from the mistakes and successes of others. Let’s see what we can learn from the happiest countries to keep ourselves mentally healthy
#1. Finland:
Finland has been at the top of the table of global happiness index for the last 5 years. It has some beautiful lifestyle and social practices which make it the happiest and lowest is mental issues.
They have adopted different set standards to maintain their position at the top.
1.1 SISU lifestyle:
People follow the SISU mentality which promotes perseverance, humility, and social oneness. The ability to stay strong in difficult times gives a sense of achievement and also trains the mind to stay strong in difficult times.
1.2 Gender equality:
Men and women are treated equally in Finland. They have equal pay policies and both paternal and maternal leave are given equally. Sharing child responsibilities from the start reduces the chances of postpartum depression.
1.3 High-quality education:
Free and good-quality education is available to everyone irrespective of their backgrounds, this keeps social inequalities low.
1.4 Few hierarchies at the workplace:
This promotes equality and improves participation in decision-making.
#2. Denmark:
Danish people are among the few people in the world who don’t suffer from depression. They are unified with pride in their country and love for their traditions.
Danish people are by nature very friendly and open which allows them to connect better and hence are at lower risk of mental illness.
As a result, a feeling of oneness and unity releases happy hormones and gives a strong social feeling.
#3. Switzerland:
The beautiful clean environment and a high-quality lifestyle are the main reasons for happiness in Switzerland.
They have strong work ethics which help in maintaining a good work-life balance and reduce stress at the workplace. Their progressive social policies increase confidence in the government.
We personally feel that yummy Swiss chocolates are the reason for happiness in Switzerland (no arguments).
#4. Iceland:
Iceland has a strong social safety net. They have a stable economy and abundant natural resources which provide them with security for the future.
The assurance and trust in government, good lifestyles, and higher security are what give the citizens content. And, not having to worry about the basic needs in life can remove major causes of stress.
#5. Netherlands:
The Netherlands has a long history of tolerance. This is a major takeaway for all of us. Tolerance and flexibility during hard times are good training for the mind.
Giving up on small problems can become a habit in mind and increase its susceptibility to breakdowns.
They have a low crime rate, increasing people’s sense of safety.
#6. Norway:
It’s the least stressed country as it has many social programs which promote community services.
Norwegians have a natural tendency to help others. They believe helping others is important for mental well-being. This can be a big takeaway for us.
Including social activities in schools and offices, and getting government incentives and support for the same can inculcate this habit in the rest of the countries.
#7. Sweden:
Sweden’s values promote empathy and teach us to look on the bright side of things. Swedish people strongly believe that every bad thing comes to an end so do good things.
This attitude helps them keep a balance in both good and bad times.
They also have policies supporting work-life balance.
Having to do a hobby and taking a break from work reduces stress and improves the quality of work.
#8. Luxemburg:
They have a low population and strong economy and thus very low poverty. A strong economy is when more people are better off financially than an overall higher GDP.
Building a strong economy and giving financial security to lower section people can probably solve some of the causes of stress and mental health issues.
#9. Newzeland:
They attract immigrants and tourists which increases diversity. This also teaches people to be tolerant of different cultures and to be kind to those in help.
However, when the government backs up immigrants and is involved in philanthropic activities, the same is followed by the citizens.
Empathy and tolerance get built up in nature which improves mental health.
#10. Austria:
So far, Austria has strong social stability and is naturally tolerant toward others. Strong social connections ensure that everyone has someone in their time of need. This is what helps people sail through bad times.
Wind up:
So what do all these countries have in common?
They have a strong social connection, free education, and especially advanced healthcare facilities for mental health issues.
Due to advanced care delivery facilities, people are treated well, and cases of mental health illness are controlled
By using the highest potential of technology. Technology is evaluated in every industry of healthcare from building a virtual care system to ordering pharmacies online.
For instance, they use modern tech software like medical practice management software, telemedicine, mental health software, and so on for better care facilities.
And, when basic needs like food, health, education, and safety are taken care of, the main stress reasons are removed.
This is what gives people contentment with life and develops a positive attitude and environment which keeps them mentally healthy.