Global and Sri Lankan Psychological Stressors:

A Comparative Analysis

Introduction

Psychological and emotional stress is a universal human experience that has become increasingly prevalent in modern times. Worldwide, levels of stress have been rising in recent years, fueled by various economic, social, and environmental pressures . The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and a global cost-of-living crisis have all contributed to heightened anxiety and tension across populations. In 2021, for example, the world saw a record high in self-reported stress – about 4 in 10 adults globally (41%) said they experienced “a lot of stress” during the previous day, reflecting the impact of wars, inflation, and the pandemic . This report examines the most common stressors affecting people globally and compares them with the stress factors observed in Sri Lanka. It considers economic, social, cultural, and environmental contributors, highlighting areas of overlap and any uniquely prevalent or emerging stressors in the Sri Lankan context. Relevant statistics and research findings (from sources such as the WHO, academic studies, surveys, and local reports) are included to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based perspective.

Common Psychological Stressors Globally

Global variations in stress levels (percentage of people reporting “a lot of stress” the previous day). Darker shades indicate higher stress (up to ~74%) and lighter shades indicate lower stress levels . This reflects how conflict-torn and crisis-hit regions report the most stress, while more stable countries report comparatively less.

Across the globe, several key stressors consistently emerge as major sources of psychological and emotional strain. While the intensity and combination of these stress factors can vary by region and individual, research shows a core set of issues affecting mental well-being worldwide:

• Financial and Economic Pressures: Money worries are among the most ubiquitous stressors globally. Uncertainty about personal finances, debt, and the broader economy weighs heavily on many individuals. Surveys (including those by the American Psychological Association) often find that a majority of adults rank money and the economy as top sources of stress . The pandemic’s economic fallout and surging inflation in 2022 created a “cost-of-living crisis” in many countries, leading to widespread anxiety about affording essentials . Even in workplace studies, financial insecurity is frequently cited as the number one cause of stress for employees . This trend is global – in fact, stress tends to spike during major economic crises, as the World Health Organization (WHO) observes . For example, the WHO notes that periods of recession, unemployment, or sudden price increases can trigger pervasive stress in populations . The burden of economic stress is not just psychological but also quantifiable in outcomes: each year an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost globally due to depression and anxiety (often rooted in chronic stress), costing the world economy around $1 trillion in lost productivity . Financial stress is truly a worldwide concern, from low-income families worrying about basic needs to middle-class households squeezed by debt and uncertainty.

• Work and Career Demands: The pressures of work are a significant emotional stressor for people around the world. High job demands, long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace conflicts all take a toll on mental health. Globally, surveys indicate that a large share of workers experience substantial workplace stress – for instance, a Gallup poll reported 41% of employees worldwide feeling stressed during the workday . Common work-related stressors include heavy workloads and tight deadlines, difficult management or poor communication, and the struggle to maintain work-life balance  . In one analysis, 35% of workers said their boss or supervisor was a direct cause of their work stress, and nearly 40% cited their workload as the main source . The COVID-19 pandemic also blurred work-life boundaries for many, introducing new stresses like remote work challenges and job instability. Overall, the modern “always on” work culture and economic pressures to perform contribute to chronic stress in a large portion of the global workforce, impacting job satisfaction and mental well-being .

• Health Crises and Personal Well-Being: Health-related worries are another common source of psychological stress. This includes stress about one’s own health (managing chronic illness, fear of serious diagnoses) as well as concern for the health of family members. The recent pandemic dramatically amplified these stressors worldwide – fear of COVID-19 infection, grief from loss of loved ones, and the mental strain of lockdowns led to surges in anxiety and depression globally . Even beyond pandemics, people often cite health problems as a top stressor; for example, in one survey 65% of adults reported that health concerns (either their own or someone close’s health) caused them significant stress . Mental health itself can be a vicious cycle here: stress can exacerbate conditions like anxiety and insomnia, which in turn become further stressors. Limited access to healthcare in many regions adds another layer – the worry of affording treatment or lacking medical support is a major stress factor, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common mental health conditions (affecting hundreds of millions of people) , and these conditions are frequently precipitated or worsened by chronic stress. In summary, threats to physical health – whether a global outbreak or personal medical issues – are a universal trigger of emotional stress.

• Family and Social Relationships: Interpersonal relationships and family responsibilities can be double-edged: they are sources of support but also significant stress. Many people around the world report stress arising from family conflicts, marital problems, caregiving duties, or the pressure to meet family expectations. For instance, major life events such as divorce, separation, or the death of a family member rank among the top causes of severe emotional stress in studies of life stressors . Parental stress is common too – raising children, especially amid uncertainty, can be taxing. In societies with strong collectivist cultures, the duty to care for extended family or pressure to conform to social norms (marriage, career success, etc.) can create ongoing stress. Loneliness and social isolation are another facet: at the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, isolation became a global stressor, particularly for the elderly and those living alone. Conversely, crowded multigenerational living (common in many countries) can introduce stress through lack of privacy or interpersonal tensions. Social support networks often determine how well people cope – those with weak support or experiencing social strife are at higher risk of stress-related mental health issues  . In summary, our social world – from close family dynamics to broader community interactions – is a key contributor to psychological stress across cultures.

• Political Instability, Conflict, and Safety Concerns: Living in an environment perceived as dangerous or unstable is a profound source of stress. War, terrorism, and community violence create extreme stress for those directly affected, as evidenced by consistently high stress levels in conflict zones. Recent Gallup data show that countries experiencing conflict or upheaval top the global stress rankings: in 2021, Afghanistan and Lebanon had about 74% of their populations reporting high stress, the highest in the world . These nations have endured war or severe crises, illustrating how chronic insecurity and violence drive anxiety. Even outside of active warzones, political instability – such as riots, coups, or high crime rates – can cause widespread emotional distress. For example, surveys in Latin America have linked fear of crime with elevated daily stress in those communities. WHO reports that stress is widespread during events like war and community violence because people face constant threats to safety and loss of control over their lives . Furthermore, political polarization and uncertainty can be subtle stressors even in otherwise peaceful countries; studies note that heightened political tension since the mid-2010s has added to many individuals’ anxiety levels . In short, when the social fabric or public safety is under threat, people experience significant psychological stress – whether due to the trauma of violence or the ambient fear and uncertainty it breeds.

• Environmental and Climate Factors: Emerging evidence shows that environmental issues are becoming salient stressors worldwide. Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and droughts not only cause physical destruction but also leave survivors with lasting psychological trauma and stress. Climate change is an increasingly notable stress factor, especially among younger generations. Global surveys have found that a majority of youth are anxious about climate change and the future of the planet – one landmark 2021 study of 10,000 young people (ages 16–25 across multiple countries) revealed that 59% were very or extremely worried about climate change, and an overwhelming 84% were at least moderately worried . This phenomenon, termed “eco-anxiety,” reflects chronic stress about environmental degradation and perceived government inaction . Additionally, people whose livelihoods depend on the environment (such as farmers facing erratic weather) experience acute stress from climate-related disruptions  . In urban settings, factors like pollution, overcrowding, and exposure to extreme heat can also elevate stress levels. Essentially, the changing environment and frequency of disasters have introduced a modern layer of stress that overlaps with and exacerbates other worries (for example, economic stress when crops fail, or health stress during a heatwave). As climate impacts intensify, mental health experts warn of a growing toll of stress and anxiety related to environmental uncertainty – a trend being observed globally from small island nations to industrialized countries.

Global Stress Trends: It is important to note that while these categories of stressors are widespread, their intensity can fluctuate over time and vary between regions. Overall, global stress levels have been on the rise over the past decade . The period of 2020–2021 was particularly stressful worldwide due to the convergence of the pandemic and economic turmoil; according to Gallup data, 2020 and 2021 saw unprecedented levels of negative emotions (worry, stress, sadness) in the global population . By 2023, there was a slight improvement – the worldwide rate of daily stress fell to around 37%, down a few points from the peak of the pandemic era . However, this figure remains higher than it was a decade prior, indicating that baseline stress has not returned to pre-pandemic lows . Furthermore, stress is not evenly distributed: regions facing conflict (e.g. the Middle East in 2023) saw spikes in stress – for instance, surveys after the outbreak of war in Israel in late 2023 found 62% of Israelis stressed and 51% sad in the immediate aftermath . In contrast, some countries in Central Asia reported fewer than 1 in 10 people stressed (e.g. Kyrgyzstan ~8%), highlighting vast differences tied to local circumstances . Demographically, younger people and women tend to report higher stress on average. A 2024 Ipsos study spanning 31 countries found 66% of women vs 58% of men felt stressed to the point it affected their daily life, and stress was highest among the younger generation (especially Gen Z females) . These trends underline that while stress affects “humans globally,” it is amplified by certain conditions – economic hardship, societal upheaval, health crises – and that ongoing global challenges (pandemics, climate change, economic volatility) are keeping stress levels elevated in many populations.

Stress Factors Affecting Individuals in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans experience many of the same stressors that prevail globally, often in intensified forms due to recent national crises and the country’s unique socio-cultural context. In fact, Sri Lanka stands out as a country with high stress indicators. In a Gallup global emotions survey, Sri Lanka ranked among the top quartile of stressed countries – about 48% of Sri Lankan adults reported experiencing a lot of stress “yesterday,” placing it 25th out of 121 countries surveyed . This is notably above the worldwide average and suggests that nearly half the population faces significant daily stress. Several converging factors contribute to this:

• Economic Crisis and Financial Insecurity: Economic stress has been exceptionally acute in Sri Lanka in recent years. The country has faced its worst economic crisis since independence, hitting a peak in 2022 when shortages of essentials, skyrocketing inflation, and debt default rocked the nation  . Inflation in Sri Lanka spiked above 50% in mid-2022, drastically raising the cost of living . Basic commodities like food, fuel, and medicine became scarce or prohibitively expensive  . This economic collapse had a profound impact on the mental health of Sri Lankans, as noted by health experts . A survey conducted during the height of the crisis (July–August 2022) found extremely high stress levels in the population: over two-thirds of respondents reported at least moderate stress, and 23% exhibited high stress levels on a standardized scale . Younger adults were particularly affected; the odds of high stress were nearly double for Sri Lankans under 40 compared to older individuals in that survey . The economic stressors in Sri Lanka range from widespread financial insecurity (families struggling to afford daily needs) to unemployment and job losses. Unemployment rose amid the crisis, leaving many households without income . Even those employed experienced pay cuts or instability, and professionals like healthcare workers had to cope with resource shortages and overwork as the system strained  . The fear of economic hardship is pervasive – a local WHO analysis highlighted significant financial insecurity and unemployment as key current risk factors threatening Sri Lankans’ mental well-being . The stress of making ends meet, draining savings, or emigrating for work has touched a large segment of society. Economic anxieties in Sri Lanka thus mirror global financial stress, but have been magnified by the severity of the recent collapse and its aftermath (e.g. continued high cost of living and debt burdens).

• Political and Social Upheaval: Alongside economics, Sri Lankans have endured political turmoil that adds to stress. The year 2022 saw mass protests, government instability, and a leadership change amidst the economic meltdown. Such instability can be emotionally taxing – uncertainty about the country’s direction and instances of civil unrest (protests, clashes) created an atmosphere of anxiety. Community life was disrupted by fuel shortages (limiting transport and gatherings) and daily power cuts, which not only affected livelihoods and education but also frayed nerves . School closures and power disruptions during this period, for example, caused stress for families and children; reports noted changes in children’s behavior and emotional regulation due to the chaotic environment  . Social stress has also come in the form of rising crime and safety concerns as economic conditions deteriorated. There were emerging reports of desperate measures – such as increases in theft or even women resorting to transactional sex for survival – which carry a toll on community mental health and sense of security . Moreover, Sri Lanka’s society has some underlying communal tensions (ethnic and religious), and while the country is at peace now, occasional incidents or inflammatory rhetoric can rekindle stress among minority communities. Overall, the interplay of political instability, civil unrest, and social strains (like potential increases in domestic violence under economic duress) form a complex of stress factors in Sri Lanka’s recent experience.

• Family and Cultural Pressures: The Sri Lankan cultural context brings its own set of stressors related to family and social expectations. As in many South Asian societies, there is strong emphasis on family responsibility, education, and upholding social norms. Pressure to succeed academically and secure stable employment is high among Sri Lankan youth, which can cause stress for students and young professionals. Competition for university placements and jobs is intense, leading to anxiety and burnout in these groups (local studies of university students have found high rates of psychological distress related to academic pressure). Additionally, meeting familial expectations – such as caring for elders, arranging marriages, or conforming to community standards – can be a source of stress if personal desires conflict with traditional expectations. There is evidence that domestic stresses are taking a toll: Sri Lanka has long struggled with issues like alcohol abuse and domestic violence, which both exacerbate and result from psychological stress. WHO Sri Lanka identifies domestic violence and alcohol misuse as significant factors linked to mental health crises (like suicide), often intertwined with stress and depression . For victims, domestic violence is an acute psychological stressor causing fear and trauma; for perpetrators and families, it’s often linked to financial or social stress boiling over. Unfortunately, cultural stigma around mental health in Sri Lanka means people under such stress may not readily seek help – bottling up emotions due to stigma can worsen the psychological burden. On a positive note, the strong family bonds in Sri Lankan culture can be a buffer, but when those bonds are strained (for example, by economic migration separating families, or by inter-generational conflicts), the stress is keenly felt. Thus, while Sri Lankans share universal social stressors like family conflict and life changes, certain cultural dimensions (e.g. stigma, traditional obligations) uniquely color how these stressors manifest and are managed.

• Post-Conflict Trauma and Ongoing Stressors: A uniquely Sri Lankan context for stress is the legacy of the nearly three-decade civil war (1983–2009) and other traumas like the 2004 tsunami and the 2019 Easter bombings. Even 15+ years after the civil war’s end, many individuals and communities – especially in the Northern and Eastern provinces – continue to grapple with war-related psychological stress. Studies in war-affected regions of Sri Lanka have identified persistent “chronic stressors” directly tied to the conflict, including unresolved grief, loss of loved ones, and war injuries, as well as the hardships of displacement and rebuilding lives . For example, Tamil families who lost relatives and never got closure (no proper burials or answers about the missing) carry long-term emotional pain that elevates stress levels . Many war survivors face material losses and poverty – homes, lands, and livelihoods destroyed by war – creating economic stress on top of trauma . There are also personal safety concerns lingering in post-war communities: while the fighting has ceased, issues like unexploded ordnance, crime, or mistrust can keep people on edge . Family structure changes are another post-conflict stressor: countless families were fragmented by death or migration, leaving single-parent households or orphaned individuals who lack the support networks they once had . An interview-based study in Northern Sri Lanka highlighted how weak institutional support and social fragmentation after the war have compounded stress – many felt they were left largely on their own to cope with trauma, economic instability, and shifting social values in their communities  . While not all Sri Lankans are directly impacted by the war today, the national psyche and certain regions carry an extra psychological burden from these collective traumas. This history contributes to statistics like the suicide rate: Sri Lanka’s suicide rate, although greatly reduced from its 1990s peak, remains higher than the global average (about 15 per 100,000 population in 2022, compared to ~9 per 100,000 globally) . Experts link this in part to past trauma and insufficient mental health resources, alongside socio-economic factors. In summary, Sri Lanka’s post-conflict and disaster context represents a set of stressors relatively unique to its recent history, layering additional stress on top of the day-to-day struggles shared with the rest of the world.

• Environmental and Lifestyle Stressors: Sri Lanka’s environment and lifestyle trends also play a role in stress. The country is highly vulnerable to climate-related events – heavy monsoon floods, occasional droughts, and landslides in hill regions are periodic challenges. Such events (exacerbated by climate change) cause displacement and livelihood loss, as seen when severe floods periodically affect farming communities, leading to crop failures and debt. Rural farmers under these conditions experience stress similar to that of other climate-affected populations globally, worrying about their family’s future and survival. Urban Sri Lankans, meanwhile, face the stresses of fast-paced city life in places like Colombo: traffic congestion, overcrowding, and competition for resources (education, jobs) can elevate daily stress. Modern lifestyle changes, such as increasing social media use, might also be introducing new stressors – for example, the pressure to keep up appearances online or the spread of misinformation that heightens anxiety. Additionally, public health challenges like the recent dengue fever outbreaks, or the tail end of the pandemic, have kept health-related stress on people’s minds. It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka has a relatively robust healthcare system for its income level, but the economic crisis strained it severely (with shortages of medicines and doctors considering migration)  . For patients and families, not being able to access proper medical care due to shortages became a significant stressor in 2022 . The lifestyle in Sri Lanka is a mix of traditional and modern, which means people juggle multiple roles and expectations – a reality that can cause stress but also offers resilience (e.g. community support). For instance, while many felt isolated during COVID-19 lockdowns, others found support in close-knit communities or religious faith, which can mitigate stress. Nonetheless, rising substance use (partly as a maladaptive coping mechanism) and changing dietary/exercise habits have affected mental health. In summary, the Sri Lankan context for stress encompasses everything from extreme external shocks (like disasters and epidemics) to the subtler grind of daily urban or rural life, all of which overlap with the global factors but manifest with local flavor.

Comparative Insights: Global vs. Sri Lankan Stressors

Analyzing the above, there is considerable overlap between the stressors faced by people globally and those affecting individuals in Sri Lanka, yet there are also distinct emphases and unique challenges in the Sri Lankan context:

• Economic Stress is Universal but Amplified Locally: Financial insecurity emerges as a top stressor in both global and Sri Lankan settings. Around the world, people worry about jobs, inflation, and making ends meet – and Sri Lankans are no exception. In fact, Sri Lanka’s recent crisis represents an extreme case of economic stress that exemplifies the global observation that stress skyrockets during severe economic downturns . Globally, many countries felt a cost-of-living squeeze in 2022, but Sri Lanka’s inflation and shortages were among the worst, magnifying financial stress for its citizens. Thus, while money woes and economic uncertainty are common everywhere, Sri Lanka’s situation turned these into acute, pervasive threats to daily life (e.g. parents stressed over feeding their children or affording fuel to get to work). Both globally and in Sri Lanka, economic stress tends to spill over into other domains – contributing to family conflicts, mental health issues, and even unrest – underlining how fundamental economic stability is to emotional well-being.

• Work and Education Pressures: Work-related stress is a familiar story around the globe, and Sri Lankans similarly experience pressure to earn and perform. In Sri Lanka, a twist on this is the large number of people who seek employment abroad or in high-pressure sectors to cope with local unemployment and low wages – migrant workers (especially in the Middle East) send back remittances, but the migration itself creates stress through family separation. Globally, work stress often centers on overwork, whereas in Sri Lanka, for some it is the lack of decent work that is stressful (unemployment or underemployment). Still, those in the workforce in Sri Lanka (e.g. government or private sector employees) report stress from heavy workloads, stagnant salaries, and inadequate workplace support, which is very much in line with global patterns of workplace stress  . Educational stress on students is another parallel: just as teens in, say, East Asia or the West feel exam and college admission pressure, Sri Lankan students face a highly competitive exam system (Advanced Level exams) which can be a major source of anxiety. In summary, the drive to achieve in work and education is a shared stressor, though its form varies – Sri Lanka’s brain drain and youth unemployment crises highlight one side, while global discussions often focus on burnout from overwork.

• Health and Well-Being: Both globally and in Sri Lanka, health crises have been a major stressor in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic hit all countries, causing fear and grief everywhere. Sri Lanka dealt with the pandemic relatively well initially, but later waves and the simultaneous economic crisis (which disrupted healthcare supply chains) made health a dominant concern. On the global stage, people worry about diseases like COVID-19, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions – Sri Lankans share these worries, with an added layer of concern that the healthcare system might not always have the resources (medicines, etc.) in times of crisis  . Mental health literacy is improving worldwide, and in Sri Lanka there is growing awareness too, yet stigma remains a barrier locally. For example, whereas someone in a Western country might openly discuss their anxiety with a therapist, a Sri Lankan might feel compelled to hide it, leading to a buildup of stress. Another overlapping aspect is mental health impacts of disasters: whether it’s a hurricane in the Caribbean or a tsunami in South Asia, survivors face PTSD and stress. Sri Lanka’s populace has that experience from the 2004 tsunami – a trauma that taught lessons similar to global disaster responses about the need for long-term psychosocial support. In short, physical and mental health stressors are a common human experience; Sri Lanka’s challenges fit into this global narrative while also being shaped by local healthcare infrastructure and cultural attitudes toward health.

• Social and Cultural Stressors: Family and social networks are double-edged swords worldwide – they can support or stress individuals. Globally, isolation and changing social structures have introduced stress (e.g. loneliness in aging Western societies, or youth feeling social media pressures). In Sri Lanka, traditional community life is stronger in some ways (potentially reducing loneliness for some), but cultural expectations can intensify stress (for instance, the expectation to care for extended family under economic hardship, or to abide by community norms even at personal cost). Both contexts acknowledge domestic conflict and interpersonal issues as significant stress drivers. It’s noteworthy that domestic violence, a stressor cited in Sri Lanka’s context, is actually a global issue as well, often rising during times of economic or social strain. The difference is in approach: Sri Lanka is still developing robust support systems for victims, whereas some other countries have more established services. Likewise, alcohol and substance misuse as coping mechanisms for stress are seen worldwide, but Sri Lanka has specific patterns (like high consumption of arrack and associated family strife) that are especially problematic and historically linked to its high suicide rates . In essence, the fabric of social stressors – relationships, support systems, cultural norms – has common threads globally, yet each society, Sri Lanka included, has unique patterns in how these stresses play out and are managed.

• Conflict and Security: One of the stark differences in stress factors is the presence of war-related trauma in Sri Lanka’s narrative. While many countries enjoy peace (and for them war is a distant concept), Sri Lanka’s population includes a large cohort that lived through civil war. Globally, of course, there are other conflict zones – people in Afghanistan, Syria, or Ukraine, for instance, share the trauma of war and displacement. So Sri Lanka’s war trauma is not unique in a global sense, but it is a distinguishing factor when comparing stressors of Sri Lanka to those of, say, a peaceful nation without recent conflict. The lingering effects of conflict (PTSD, grief, missing persons, etc.) are similar to what is seen in other post-conflict societies, but distinct from the daily stress profile of countries that have been stable. On the other hand, Sri Lanka currently is not an active conflict zone, which differentiates it from those current war-torn nations that top the “most stressed” rankings. For example, countries like Afghanistan or Lebanon (crisis-hit) report ~70%+ stress levels – in comparison, Sri Lanka’s 48% , while high, is lower, perhaps reflecting that the peak conflict stress has somewhat subsided over the decade (despite other crises). Safety and security concerns in Sri Lanka now are more about economic security and personal safety from crime, rather than war. Thus, one could say Sri Lanka’s stress profile straddles categories: it has some features of post-conflict societies and some features of societies in economic transition. Globally, people in stable countries might worry more about abstract threats (like job automation or political polarization), whereas Sri Lankans have recently worried about concrete threats like Will there be fuel to get to the hospital? or Will unrest break out in my town? – issues that bring a very immediate kind of stress.

• Environmental and Future Concerns: Environmental stressors present a mixed comparison. Climate change anxiety is a global phenomenon, but in Sri Lanka, immediate economic and political issues have tended to overshadow climate worry for much of the population. Young educated Sri Lankans do express climate concerns (in line with global youth), yet an average person might be more preoccupied with day-to-day economic survival than long-term climate threats. Still, environmental events directly affect Sri Lankans and cause stress similarly to elsewhere: farmers in drought feel what farmers in sub-Saharan Africa feel, or flood victims in Colombo feel what flood victims in Southeast Asia feel. The difference may lie in capacity to respond – Sri Lanka’s resources to mitigate disaster impacts are limited during the economic crisis, so the stress of say, a flood, can be worsened by slow recovery and fear of recurrence. Meanwhile, global narratives highlight climate anxiety even in places not yet physically hit hard (like European youth stressing about future warming). In Sri Lanka, that abstract anxiety exists but perhaps is secondary to more pressing concerns. Over time, however, if climate impacts worsen (sea-level rise affecting coasts, etc.), Sri Lankans may join the global trend of significant eco-anxiety. It’s noteworthy that issues like deforestation, human-elephant conflict, and urban pollution do stress specific Sri Lankan communities, reflecting the intersection of environmental and social stress (e.g. farmers stressed by crop raids, or city dwellers by traffic and smog). These are specific local examples of a broad global category: environmental pressures on mental health.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s stress landscape both mirrors and diverges from global patterns. On one hand, Sri Lankans are human beings with the same fundamental worries as people elsewhere – money, health, family, and safety. The data show strong overlap: financial strain and mental health issues are central in both global and Sri Lankan contexts . On the other hand, Sri Lankans have endured a confluence of stressors in recent times (a political-economic meltdown on the heels of a civil war) that few other countries have experienced simultaneously. This has made some stressors (like economic woes and trauma) especially pronounced or “uniquely prevalent” in Sri Lanka at this moment in history. The emerging stressors in Sri Lanka – such as coping with rapid economic changes, youth frustration leading to protests, and the challenges of post-war reconciliation – provide important lessons. They highlight the need for strengthening mental health support systems in the country, and addressing root causes (for example, economic reforms and social healing) to alleviate stress. Globally, it reinforces the understanding that while stress is universal, its causes are often interlinked across economic, social, cultural, and environmental domains. Addressing psychological stressors requires holistic strategies: improving economic security, ensuring access to healthcare, fostering supportive communities, and mitigating violence and environmental risks. As the WHO advocates, reducing these stress factors – whether in Sri Lanka or elsewhere – not only improves individual well-being but also benefits public health, social stability, and development . The case of Sri Lanka, in comparison with global trends, underscores that alleviating human stress is a multidimensional challenge, one that must blend global knowledge with local action.

Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Stress Q&A (2023) and mental health reports

• Ipsos – World Mental Health Day Global Survey 2024

• Gallup – Global Emotions Report data via news and analysis

• American Institute of Stress – Stress research statistics (causes of stress)

• American Psychological Association (APA) – Stress in America Surveys (for analogous global insights)

• BMC Public Health (X. Piao et al., 2024) – Global trends in emotional stress

• Journal of Ideas in Health (2023) – Perceived stress in Sri Lanka during economic crisis

• The Lancet Regional Health (2022) – Commentary on Sri Lanka’s health in crisis

• WHO (Sri Lanka) – Suicide Prevention strategy note 2024 (local risk factors and suicide rates)

• Mad in South Asia (2023) – Study on post-conflict stressors in Northern Sri Lanka

• Nature/Lancet (2021) – Global survey on youth climate anxiety