What is Well-being?

Well-being refers to the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. It encompasses various aspects of an individual’s life, including physical health, mental and emotional well-being, social relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Well-being is a multidimensional concept that goes beyond just the absence of illness or distress.

Prevalence of Well-being

  • The measurement and reporting of well-being at a national level can vary depending on the country and the specific indicators considered. Many countries conduct surveys and studies to assess the well-being of their populations, taking into account factors such as health, income, education, and overall life satisfaction. However, the availability and frequency of such assessments can differ.

  • In recent years, there has been an increased focus on measuring well-being as a complement to traditional economic indicators like GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Some countries have adopted alternative metrics, such as the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) or the Human Development Index (HDI), to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a nation’s overall well-being.

The graphs shows The National Mental Health Survey of India (2016): Prevalence, socio-demographic correlates and treatment gap of mental morbidity

  • International organizations, such as the World Happiness Report published by the United Nations, also contribute to the global understanding of well-being by ranking countries based on factors like income, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

  • The measurement of well-being on a global scale is often assessed through various indices and reports that take into account factors such as income, health, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. One well-known report that provides a global perspective on well-being is the “World Happiness Report,” which is released annually by the United Nations.

  • The World Happiness Report ranks countries based on their citizens’ self-reported well-being and life satisfaction. The rankings consider a range of factors, and the report often includes analysis of trends and contributing factors to happiness and well-being. The data is gathered from Gallup World Poll surveys, and the report aims to provide a comprehensive view of how well-being is experienced and perceived across the world.

Burden of disease from each category of Mental illness, World 2019