World's Most Stressful Cities Revealed
Discover the world's most stressful cities, where air pollution, traffic congestion, and social challenges severely impact residents' mental health
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2024-06-01 12:54 GMT
Stress is the natural human response to pressure that affects anyone, from adults to children. It can impede the daily activities of people apart from impacting their mental health. If stress is left untreated, it can lead to several health issues, such as high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
Urban residents are 21 percent more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and 39 percent more likely to experience mood disorders compared to rural residents, a study according to Healthline has revealed.
The study considered 15 indicators, including unemployment rates, safety, weather, access to health services, and gender equality, among other indications that might stress people.
Here's a list of some of the most stressful cities in the world:
Mumbai, India: Topping the list, of the most stressful cities globally is Mumbai. Its residents must cope with uncontrolled air and light pollution, which affects their physical health but also contributes to psychological distress. Because of the city's dense population, overcrowding has resulted in insufficient access to basic healthcare and social security benefits. Infrastructural difficulties and people always on the go, create a stressful atmosphere for its residents.
Lagos, Nigeria: Lagos, the second most populated city in Africa, poses various challenges for its residents. Traffic congestion and prolonged travel time lead to frustrating commutes. The city also struggles with insufficient housing and water supply shortages. It is further aggravated by overcrowding, leading to subpar living standards.
Manila, Philippines: The capital city of the Philippines, Manila, is one of the most stressful urban centers in Southeast Asia. The traffic congestion results in delayed commutes, causing much frustration. Additionally, the city lacks proper infrastructure and public transport. High population density worsens the problems, as crowded living conditions exacerbate pollution and sanitary problems.
New Delhi, India: The bustling capital of India, New Delhi, struggles with several pressures. Severe air pollution, especially during the winter months, poses serious health risks and aggravates respiratory conditions. The consistent traffic congestion adds to the frustration, which results in long-term commutes and reduces efficiency. These issues are further made worse by poor access to high-quality healthcare services, particularly for those from the marginalised sector.
Baghdad, Iraq: One of the most stressful cities struggling with a complex array of socio-political challenges is Baghdad. Its resident’s mental health has been impacted by the atmosphere of dread and uncertainty brought forth by ongoing hostilities and instability. Inadequate gender equality has further aggravated the already-existing inequalities, restricting women's chances and sustaining societal unrest. Due to resource shortages and infrastructural damage, access to basic services, such as healthcare and education, is frequently hampered.
Kabul, Afghanistan: In the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, people face problems in their daily life which contributes to the serious stress levels. Everyday, presents several challenges for its residents, which raises their stress levels. There are fewer options for its people to progress socially and economically, which feeds their frustrations and disillusionment. Unemployment and poverty are highly prevalent, which worsens social inequalities and undermines community cohesion. The city's infrastructure has suffered major damage due to the years of conflict, hindering the living standards and quality of life of residents.
Urban residents are 21 percent more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and 39 percent more likely to experience mood disorders compared to rural residents, a study according to Healthline has revealed.
The study considered 15 indicators, including unemployment rates, safety, weather, access to health services, and gender equality, among other indications that might stress people.
Here's a list of some of the most stressful cities in the world:
Mumbai, India: Topping the list, of the most stressful cities globally is Mumbai. Its residents must cope with uncontrolled air and light pollution, which affects their physical health but also contributes to psychological distress. Because of the city's dense population, overcrowding has resulted in insufficient access to basic healthcare and social security benefits. Infrastructural difficulties and people always on the go, create a stressful atmosphere for its residents.
Lagos, Nigeria: Lagos, the second most populated city in Africa, poses various challenges for its residents. Traffic congestion and prolonged travel time lead to frustrating commutes. The city also struggles with insufficient housing and water supply shortages. It is further aggravated by overcrowding, leading to subpar living standards.
Manila, Philippines: The capital city of the Philippines, Manila, is one of the most stressful urban centers in Southeast Asia. The traffic congestion results in delayed commutes, causing much frustration. Additionally, the city lacks proper infrastructure and public transport. High population density worsens the problems, as crowded living conditions exacerbate pollution and sanitary problems.
New Delhi, India: The bustling capital of India, New Delhi, struggles with several pressures. Severe air pollution, especially during the winter months, poses serious health risks and aggravates respiratory conditions. The consistent traffic congestion adds to the frustration, which results in long-term commutes and reduces efficiency. These issues are further made worse by poor access to high-quality healthcare services, particularly for those from the marginalised sector.
Baghdad, Iraq: One of the most stressful cities struggling with a complex array of socio-political challenges is Baghdad. Its resident’s mental health has been impacted by the atmosphere of dread and uncertainty brought forth by ongoing hostilities and instability. Inadequate gender equality has further aggravated the already-existing inequalities, restricting women's chances and sustaining societal unrest. Due to resource shortages and infrastructural damage, access to basic services, such as healthcare and education, is frequently hampered.
Kabul, Afghanistan: In the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, people face problems in their daily life which contributes to the serious stress levels. Everyday, presents several challenges for its residents, which raises their stress levels. There are fewer options for its people to progress socially and economically, which feeds their frustrations and disillusionment. Unemployment and poverty are highly prevalent, which worsens social inequalities and undermines community cohesion. The city's infrastructure has suffered major damage due to the years of conflict, hindering the living standards and quality of life of residents.