Sweden Kembali Jadi Negara Terbaik Untuk Kesehatan Mental, Disusul Luxembourg Dan Norwegia

JAKARTA - In this modern era, mental health is as important as physical health. When many people consider moving abroad, mental welfare factors are often the main consideration. But which country really cares about the mental health of its citizens?

Based on the analysis of 35 developed countries popular among expatriates, several factors are assessed, including work-life balance, free time for family and friends, access to nature, and how much the government allocates funds for mental health services.

Here are 3 countries that stand out in their attention to the mental health of their citizens, as reported by William Russell's page.

1. Sweden

Sweden received a positive mental health score of 31.25/35. Sweden ranks first as the best country for mental health for the second year in a row.

Residents rarely work overtime, have more than 15 hours of free time every day, and the government has consistently allocated large funds for mental health services.

Since 2016, Sweden has launched a mental health program focused on preventing mental disorders. This service reaches all levels of society, including children and the LGBTQ community.

More than 29 thousand children have benefited from this program, making Sweden an example of a country that cares about mental health from an early age.

2. Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a positive mental health score of 26.75/35. Luxembourg is on this list for the first time in 2024 and immediately occupies the second position. The richest country in Europe proves that a large investment in mental health services can have a significant impact.

Since the 1990s, the Luxembourg government has focused on community-based mental health care. All services are supported by government funds, and are driven by the participation of the private sector and non-profit organizations. As a result, the depression rate in this country has dropped dramatically, from 11% in 2019 to only 5% in 2023.

3. Norway

Norway received a positive mental health score of 26/35. Norway experienced a rating surge in 2024, up to third. This is thanks to the government's large investment in mental health services, including an additional 53 million NOK funds for the Mental Health Escalation Plan program.

This program includes counseling services, social rehabilitation, as well as general practitioner training for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The focus is not only on adults, but also on family and children so that mental disorders can be prevented from an early age.

Other Countries That Are Promoting

In addition to the top three countries, there are several other countries that show great attention to mental health.

- Latvia and Germany are in the top five.

- Spain, Denmark, and Portugal are showing a significant increase in mental health service investments.

- The United States, although still has challenges, is starting to improve its national mental health program.

But keep in mind that there is no perfect country. Mental health problems can still occur in any country, especially for people experiencing shock culture or difficulty adapting. However, living in countries that care about mental health usually support a more balanced and positive lifestyle.