HOW ARE YOU FEELING? The world is sadder and angrier than ever, major study finds
May 10, 2019 • 1 min read
Feeling less happy, even miserable? You’re not alone. People worldwide are sadder, angrier, and more fearful. All three emotions are at record levels, according to Gallup’s annual Global State of Emotions Report.
Looking at the top-5 country place-getters on the global index of negativity (that sounds bad), you can blame war, political crises, and humanitarian emergencies for the prevailing state of mind. Chad took overall honours, followed by Niger, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Iran.
Surprise me
How would you feel living in a country in the grip of a deep economic recession, with falling living standards, 15 million citizens living in extreme poverty, 72% of whom struggled to afford food at some point during the year? Welcome to Chad.
On the flip-side, globally, more than seven in 10 people said they experienced enjoyment, felt well-rested, and smiled or laughed a lot on the day before the survey. So, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Paraguay regained the top spot as the world’s happiest and most positive country, despite many rural poor. A commentator from research firm Gallup said Paraguay’s score partly reflects the cultural tendency in the region to focus on life’s positives.
There you have it. How you feel is a state of mind.
Sing along, now.