Nov '24 • Your symptoms
The most anxious country in the world part 2
A few days ago, I posed the question what was the most anxious country in the world according to a 2021 study based on prevalence cases of anxiety (excluding the impact of COVID) - https://www.skool.com/innerpeacewalker-worthwaker/anxiety-which-country-do-you-think-is-the-most-anxious?p=61be4dca
It's tempting to say it's now America after the result of 2 nights ago, but it's not.
In fact the answer is Portugal. I don't know about you, but that really surprised me. Portugal was also seen to be a popular destination for holiday makers for constant sun, friendly people, good food, and yet it topped the chart.
The author Mark Manson explored why in this interesting watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50-Gc320CNo
In brief, he talks about the main factors behind the results including:
- Portugal's Historical Background: For over 40 years, Portugal's conservative dictator, Salazar, promoted a quiet, traditional lifestyle, emphasizing conformity and discouraging risk-taking
- Economic, Social, and Cultural Influence**: Portugal's stagnant economy, high uncertainty avoidance, and adherence to tradition drive its anxiety, but these factors alone don't explain it
- Cultural Concepts: Concepts like saudade (a deep, melancholic longing) and fado (a form of melancholic music) capture Portugal's cultural history and its collective yearning
- Genetic Theory of Anxiety: Generations of adventurous Portuguese left the country, leaving behind a population more prone to anxiety and conformity. This artificial selection may have embedded traits of high neuroticism and anxiety within the remaining population
What can this say about us as individuals (even if we're not Portuguese?)
- Our family and cultural history can shape anxiety, creating pressure to conform and fear of judgment
- Excessive focus on tradition or cultural expectations can limit self-worth, as it emphasizes living up to external standards over personal growth and expression.
- Awareness of potential genetic influences on anxiety can help us understand that some factors may be beyond our control, allowing us to focus on adapting to rather than fighting our tendencies
- Like Portugal’s cultural preservation through saudade, anxiety, while challenging, can also foster deep connections to one's roots and values. Recognizing this can help individuals harness anxiety to protect what matters while balancing it with self-compassion and growth
What do you reckon? Did the outcome surprise you? is this similar to your experiences around anxiety?
4
8 comments
The most anxious country in the world part 2
powered by
skool.com/innerpeacewalker-worth-waker-6074
Awaken your self-worth, confront the root cause of your challenges, and transform your mindset. Step into your power—this is where change begins
Suggested communities
Powered by