While COVID-19 intensified the emotional strain, Gallup’s findings show that this trend predates the pandemic. The causes, researchers say, vary across regions, but one theme keeps emerging about technology and polarisation.

"So, if we look at things like the rates of worry, 39% of the people we interviewed in 2024 reported that they experienced a lot of worry the day before. When we first started tracking that data in 2006, it was only at 30% and so 9% of the global population is a big portion. And we see similar patterns for the other emotions —stress, physical pain, anger, and sadness — over that time frame. With a lot of those gains really coming in the last few years, and it's something that troubles me when I look at this data," Dan Foy thr Global Research Director at Gallup, told Global South World.

In many regions, particularly post-Soviet Eurasia, perceptions of safety have doubled over the last 20 years.

These are countries that have undergone significant political and social transformations, moving from instability toward greater structure and governance.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the sense of safety has slipped, from 58% to 53%, and in Latin America and the Caribbean, only half of the population says they feel safe walking alone at night.

With this paradox, the world has a long way to go in achieving a balance between the safety and emotional health of its people.

Watch the full interview attached to the story for more insight.

However, its prevalence and intensity can vary greatly from one country to another. Recent findings from various global surveys have painted a picture of the world's most stressed countries where citizens are "feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders".

Factors contributing to stress include economic instability, political turmoil, social issues , and environmental concerns. Here, we explore some of the world's most stressed countries and the reasons behind their high stress levels according to data provided by Gallup.

Afghanistan tops the list as the most stressed country in the world. The nation has been struggling with the aftermath of political upheaval and conflict since 2001, leaving its people in constant worry and uncertainty. The  2024 Gallup Global Emotions Report , which measures life's intangibles like feelings and emotions, found that 68% of Afghans reported experiencing a lot of stress.

Following closely are Lebanon and Sierra Leone. These countries have also been through significant turmoil. Lebanon, in particular, has faced a  severe economic  crisis, leading to widespread stress among 65% of its population. Sierra Leone also records 61% of its population being stressed.

Other prominent countries on the list include Turkey, Liberia and Sri Lanka. These nations have faced unique challenges, from economic struggles to social and political unrest, contributing to the high stress levels reported by their citizens. With 60%, 58% and 56% respectively, these countries have high levels of stress.

Interestingly, the report also highlights that stress is not always correlated with a country's standing in wealth. For instance, Greece is noted as the most stressed European nation, despite being a part of the developed world with a 54% representation.