Why is Britain’s mental health so incredibly poor? It’s because our society is spiralling backwards | George Monbiot
Even as neoliberalism destroys our dreams of a better life, politicians tell us ‘there is no alternative’. But there is
The news should have stopped us in our tracks. Astonishingly, however, it was scarcely reported here. The latest map of mental wellbeing published by the Global Mind Project reveals that, out of the 71 countries it assessed, the United Kingdom, alongside South Africa, has the highest proportion of people in mental distress – and the second worst overall measure of mental health (we beat only Uzbekistan). Mental wellbeing has plummeted in the UK further than in any comparable nation. How was this not headline news?
More importantly, why has it happened? The Global Mind Project blames smartphones and ultra-processed food. They doubtless play a role, but they’re hardly peculiar to the UK. I think part of the reason is the sense that life here is, visibly and obviously, spiralling backwards.
George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist. His latest book, The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism (& How It Came to Control Your Life), is out on 16 May
Continue reading...Date: |
Filter
-
Why we’re relaunching our guide to post-Brexit Britain
Upgrading state will take more than money; plus, businesses bewail new hostile environment for overseas graduatesFinancial Times - Business - United Kingdom -
Elected officials share personal mental health struggles
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Harris County Texas Judge Lina Hildago are some of the most outspoken elected officials telling Americans it's okay to not be okay. Both officials have taken leaves of absence for their mental health ...CBS News - Top stories -
How can a child in care cost £281,000 a year? Ask the wealth funds that have councils over a barrel | George Monbiot
Children crying out for stability are paying the highest price for Britain’s chaotic and exploitative residential care. I’m a patron of a small local charity that helps struggling children to rebuild trust and connection. It’s called Sirona ...The Guardian - World -
Britain’s new food security index is a poor excuse for policy
There is little value in Whitehall’s creation of something that suggests everything is fineFinancial Times - Business -
'Catastrophic': Inside Gaza's mental health crisis impacting civilians, aid workers
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, international organizations said there is "catastrophic" mental health crisis in Gaza affecting civilians and aid workers.ABC News - Top stories -
Why the 'Tock' of a Pickleball Is So Annoying
Its relatively high pitch and sudden start-and-stop combine to grate on the human ear. Redesigning paddles could help.The Wall Street Journal - World -
EU investigates Facebook owner Meta over child safety and mental health concerns
Company’s social media platforms, which also include Instagram, may have addictive effects, says European Commission. • Business live – latest updates. The European Commission has opened an investigation into the owner of Facebook and Instagram ...The Guardian - World - European Union -
Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii crowned Miss USA after previous winner resigned, citing mental health
Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii has been crowned Miss USA 2023, more than a week after the previous titleholder resigned for mental health reasonsABC News - Entertainment -
Cowboys' Dak Prescott meets fan who said he wouldn't be alive without QB's mental health message
Dallas' International Fan of the Year Eduardo Flores said he wouldn't have gotten through father's death without PrescottCBS Sports - Sports - NFL -
Prof Andrea Mechelli: ‘People who live near green space are less likely to struggle with mental health issues’
The scientist leading a study into how the urban environment affects our wellbeing on the surprising and lasting psychological benefits of even just a small dose of nature. Andrea Mechelli, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, is professor ...The Guardian - World
More from The Guardian
-
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM and Hamas officials for war crimes
Karim Khan applies for warrants relating to alleged crimes committed during 7 October attack and the ensuing war in Gaza. Explainer: will ICC approve arrest warrants for Israel and Hamas leaders?Middle East crisis – latest updatesThe chief ...The Guardian - World - Israel -
Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash
Foreign minister also dead after aircraft went down in mountains close to Azerbaijan border. Iran president in helicopter crash – live updatesThe hardline Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, has died in a helicopter crash in foggy weather in the ...The Guardian - World - Iran -
Julian Assange wins right to appeal against extradition to US
Judges had deferred a decision on whether Assange could take his case to another appeal hearing. Julian Assange has been granted leave to mount a fresh appeal against his extradition to the US on charges of leaking military secrets and will be ...The Guardian - World -
Michael Cohen admits stealing from Trump Organization; closing arguments expected next Tuesday – live
Trump back in court as Michael Cohen’s likely last day of questioning gets under way. Sign up to our free Trump on Trial newsletterJudge Juan Merchan is speaking about whether or not to restrict the testimony of a Federal Election Commission (FEC) ...The Guardian - World - Donald Trump -
Mediterranean migrant boat disaster: men on trial are ‘scapegoats’, say lawyers
Survivors of shipwreck that killed 600 people not ‘real smugglers’, say defenders, with inquiry into coastguard’s role also incomplete. Nine men accused of causing one of the deadliest shipwrecks to have taken place in the Mediterranean are ...The Guardian - World