Top 10 Most Stressful Cities in the World; Jakarta Included

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Stress is a natural human response to pressure that can be experienced by both children and adults. Not only does it affect mental health, but studies have found that stress can also disrupt the mind, leading to disruptions in daily activities. Untreated stress can also trigger health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.

According to Healthline, a study found that urban residents are 21 percent more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and 39 percent more likely to suffer from mood disorders than rural residents.

Based on The Least and Most Stressful Cities Index 2021 published by CBD and well-being company Vaay, there are ten most stressful cities to live in. The study was conducted by evaluating 15 indicators, including unemployment rates, safety, gender equality, weather, and access to health in 500 cities around the world.

“Our objective with this study is to show what cities can achieve for their citizens through effective governance, robust environmental policies, and well-resourced social welfare systems,” said Vaay co-founder, Finn Age Hansel, in his official statement, quoted on Tuesday, January 23.

Here is the list of the top ten most stressful cities in the world:

1. Mumbai, India

Mumbai is the most stressful city in the world. The residents have to face high levels of air and light pollution, low social security, and minimal access to health services.

2. Lagos, Nigeria

Residents of the second most populous city in Africa have to face many challenges on a daily basis, such as traffic congestion, water supply crises, inadequate housing, as well as threats to life and property. 

3. Manila, Philippines

Among cities in Southeast Asia, Manila is the most stressful city as its residents face a number of challenges, including severe traffic congestion and poor security. The city's high population density also contributes to its high stress levels, with a density of 20,784 people per square kilometer.

4. New Delhi, India

The capital of India, New Delhi, is not a pleasant place to live as its residents have high stress levels combined with severe air pollution and traffic congestion.

5. Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad is one of the most stressful cities in the world. The causes are many, including poor gender equality and unending socio-political conflict.

6. Kabul, Afghanistan

In Kabul, there is widespread frustration with limited opportunities for social progress, education, and employment. In addition, poverty and unemployment are identified as major sources of stress across the country, particularly in Kabul.

7. Moscow, Russia

According to a poll conducted by the Levada Analytical Center in 2019, the scale of fears and anxieties of Russian citizens, including those in Moscow, increased rapidly in 2017-2019. Some of the fears are due to the threat of disease, unemployment, poverty, war, crime, ethnic conflicts, political repression, and natural disasters.

8. Karachi, Pakistan

Environmental conditions in Karachi are deteriorating due to air and noise pollution. There is also no fresh air in the coastal areas as it is highly polluted as well. Quoted from Arab News, Karachi-based climate expert Afia Salam mentioned several factors responsible for high-stress levels in the city, including traffic congestion and poor quality public facilities.

9. Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta has repeatedly been ranked as having the worst air pollution in the world, according to IQAir. The World Economic Forum has also predicted that the city will sink by 2100.

10. Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv is one of the most stressful cities in the world. As widely known, Ukraine is in an ongoing conflict with Russia, which increases the level of frustration and trauma in the capital.

MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA

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