Brazil is the 2nd country that most searches for anxiety – 10/10/2023 – Equilíbrio

Brazil is the second country in the world that is most concerned about anxiety issues, behind only Ukraine. According to data from Google Trends, we are the country with the greatest search interest in the topic in the last 12 months.

Trends also shows that March 2023 was the month with the most searches for anxiety in Brazil since the beginning of Google’s historical series, in 2004.

While searches for anxiety have increased by more than 70% worldwide in the last five years, compared to the immediately previous period, in Brazil they have grown by more than 150%, on the same basis of comparison.

According to experts, this is a reflection of the pandemic, which was marked by economic crises, social isolation, fear of contamination and loss of loved ones due to Covid-19.

Data from Google Trends shows that Brazil rose to this second position in 2020, the worst year of the pandemic. And during the post-pandemic period, the situation did not ease.

“People returned to their lives, but they returned to a challenging environment, marked by fear of contracting the disease. This generates fear of contact and created a psychological environment of fear. Many people came to me, saying they no longer know how to interact with people. others, who are unsure about what to say and how to act”, says Mana Mendonça, psychologist at orienteme, a corporate health management platform.

And regarding the peak of interest in anxiety this year, Mendonça relates the return to in-person work.

“When the hybrid regime started requiring most people to attend in person two or three times a week, this became a significant cause of anxiety attacks.”

How to control anxiety?

This is the most searched question about anxiety in Brazil in the last 12 months. Experts recommend:

• Good nutrition;
• Prioritize moments of disconnection such as outdoor activities;
• Meditation and breathing practices;
• Understand what your triggers are and how to overcome them;
• Seek professional help such as therapy with psychologists.

SEARCHES FOR BURNOUT ALSO GROW

In addition to anxiety, the term burnout is trending in searches. This is a type of work-related disorder in which the professional feels physically and emotionally exhausted, often after being subjected to exhausting conditions, excessive work or unattainable goals.

According to the data, 2023 (until June) is the peak year of interest in burnout since the beginning of Google’s historical series, which begins in 2004.

For Ana Carolina Peuker, from ABQV (Brazilian Association of Quality of Life), the scenario may be a reflection of pressures in work environments such as competitive and highly demanding environments, the presence of harassment and excessive working hours. These factors contribute to many people losing balance between family life and work life, she says.

According to Peuker, anxiety can indeed contribute to the development of burnout.

“An anxious person can be more vulnerable to stress at work, in the same way that burnout can increase the level of anxiety. The feeling of pressure at work and not having control over things are common in cases of anxiety”, explains Peuker .

Where to seek help:

Mental Health Map
The website, from the Vita Alere Institute, maps public mental health services available throughout the country, in addition to free reception and care services, as well as voluntary actions carried out by NGOs and philanthropic institutions, among others. It also offers booklets with mental health guidance.