Portugal, often celebrated for its stunning coastlines, rich culture, and historical significance, harbors a deeply complex and hidden truth: it is one of the most anxious nations in the world. While the country’s warm Mediterranean lifestyle seems synonymous with relaxation, the reality of widespread anxiety among the Portuguese population paints a far different picture.
This paradox has puzzled mental health experts and laypeople alike. What is it about Portugal’s culture, history, and societal structure that has led to such high levels of anxiety, and how can a nation that has endured such cultural resilience confront this silent crisis?
In this article, we’ll explore the roots of Portugal’s mental health struggles, from its authoritarian past and the lingering effects of Salazar’s regime to the deep-seated cultural concepts of saudade and uncertainty avoidance. Join us as we delve into the complex factors that contribute to Portugal’s anxiety, seeking a deeper understanding of how this cultural tension influences the lives of its people today.
The Quiet Dictator: Antonio Salazar and Portugal’s Traditional Lifestyle
Antonio Salazar’s reign over Portugal is one of the most overlooked episodes in the history of 20th-century authoritarianism. Salazar, unlike the larger-than-life figures of Mussolini, Franco, and Hitler, rose to power not through grand gestures or military might, but through his precise, meticulous, and bureaucratic style of governance. He was, first and foremost, a technocrat—an academic who had a preference for detail, systems, and order. His ascent to power was reluctant, as he never harbored any illusions about ruling the country. In fact, Salazar was initially brought into politics in 1926 not out of a desire to lead but because of his skill in financial matters. The country was facing severe economic turmoil after the First World War and the destabilizing effects of the 1910 Republican Revolution. Portugal’s political system was in disarray, and the country was struggling to find a stable direction.
Salazar’s rise to power was as much a response to national need as it was a personal preference. He took the role of Portugal’s finance minister in 1928, but within a few years, he became the de facto leader, consolidating power and establishing a corporate state that would remain largely unchallenged for over four decades. What distinguished Salazar’s rule from other authoritarian regimes was his preference for control without spectacle. He did not rely on parades, rallies, or the militarization of the state. Instead, his vision was to maintain order and tradition without the need for populist displays.
Salazar’s regime sought to return Portugal to what he viewed as its “golden age,” but not through conquest or empire-building. His vision for Portugal was anchored in a return to simpler, more traditional values. There was no grand rhetoric of reviving Portugal’s imperial past, as seen in other fascist regimes. Rather, Salazar encouraged a lifestyle of quiet submission to tradition, promoting values of family, religion, and simplicity. His regime was not one of cultural experimentation or social transformation but a reinforcement of conservative ideals. These ideals were encapsulated in the “three Fs”: fado (the melancholic folk music that expresses longing and loss), Fátima (a religious shrine that symbolizes the country’s deep Catholicism), and futebol (football, which, though it provided an outlet for popular passion, was promoted as a tool of national unity rather than a symbol of political engagement). These three symbols became the cornerstone of Portugal’s national identity under Salazar, and they represented a society that valued restraint, religiosity, and national pride without rocking the boat.
The regime, while relatively peaceful compared to other fascist states, did not encourage public debate or political activism. It sought to eliminate the messy dynamics of democratic society, replacing them with the authoritarian philosophy of “Estado Novo” (New State), which emphasized stability and order over individual expression. Political opposition was crushed, and any ideas of revolution were stifled by Salazar’s policies of surveillance, control, and legal repression. The country was essentially locked in a time capsule—a nation with a fixed identity, unchanging and deeply ingrained in its traditional values.
This societal model, based on avoiding risk, experimentation, or any form of disruption, bred a collective atmosphere of discomfort with change. The long years of political repression, coupled with the lack of a real outlet for innovation, laid the groundwork for a population that would eventually find itself paralyzed by anxiety. When Salazar’s regime finally collapsed in the mid-1970s, following the Carnation Revolution of 1974, Portugal was thrust into a new era of democracy—but its population was left with the mental scars of four decades of stifling authoritarianism. The transition to democracy, though a time of political liberation, exposed the deep psychological effects of living under Salazar’s reign. The quiet authoritarianism of Salazar left the nation without the mental tools needed to cope with the freedoms and uncertainties of a democratic society.
An Unlikely Crisis: The Rise of Generalized Anxiety in Portugal
The transition from Salazar’s authoritarian regime to a democratic society in the 1970s should have been a liberating moment for Portugal, yet it quickly became apparent that the country’s challenges were far deeper than political repression. As the 1980s unfolded, studies began to document a disturbing trend—Portugal was experiencing one of the highest rates of anxiety in the world. In 1990, Portugal topped the international survey for generalized anxiety disorder, with an astounding 75% of its population reporting chronic anxiety, far outstripping rates in other countries, including the United States (44%) and most European nations (31%).
This rise in anxiety was perplexing, given the country’s seemingly idyllic and peaceful reputation. On the surface, Portugal appeared to be a land of relaxation, with its sunny beaches, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural history. The image of sipping coffee on cobblestone streets, with the Mediterranean breeze blowing gently, paints a picture of tranquility, yet this tranquil lifestyle did little to shield the population from a hidden mental health crisis. The fundamental question that arose was: why was Portugal so anxious?
To unravel the mystery of Portugal’s mental health crisis, it’s essential to explore the deeper social, historical, and cultural factors at play. It became clear that the anxiety faced by the Portuguese population was not merely a consequence of individual circumstances but something that was deeply embedded in the nation’s collective experience.
The authoritarian past under Salazar had created a culture of compliance, where independence of thought and action were not encouraged. People were raised in an environment that prioritized conformity, and deviations from the norm were viewed with suspicion. The long period of authoritarian rule bred a population that was deeply uncomfortable with uncertainty and change. The collapse of Salazar’s regime did not provide an immediate cure for the anxieties that had been cultivated over decades. Instead, it opened up a void, an uncertain space where the population struggled to adjust to the new reality of democracy.
On top of this, Portugal’s economic conditions were only beginning to shift. The country had entered the European Union in 1986, which brought both economic opportunities and new stresses. Although Portugal had access to new markets and greater resources, it still faced significant challenges related to wage stagnation, high unemployment rates, and rising living costs. However, economic difficulties alone could not account for the widespread nature of the anxiety problem. In fact, economic indicators suggested that Portugal was not significantly worse off than other European nations. The average workweek, for example, was relatively moderate, and the unemployment rate was in line with the EU average.
The paradox lay in the fact that richer, more developed countries often report higher levels of anxiety. Portugal, though economically poor by Western standards, did not fit the mold of a nation suffering from economic deprivation. So, the issue was not strictly financial; something deeper within the fabric of the culture was fueling this widespread anxiety. This was not a problem of poverty, but one of societal pressure and the collective burden of history.
In conversations with local psychologists, journalists, and academics, it became evident that this anxiety was not just a modern affliction but was ingrained in the psyche of the Portuguese people, shaped by centuries of political and cultural experiences. The deep-seated sense of uncertainty, the fear of judgment, and the pervasive longing for a past that could never be reclaimed all contributed to the unique mental health crisis facing Portugal.
The first studies on generalized anxiety disorder in the 1980s helped illuminate this growing issue, but they also raised more questions. What was it about Portugal’s culture, history, and societal structures that had led to such high rates of anxiety? And more importantly, how could the country begin to heal from a crisis that was so deeply embedded in its national consciousness?
The Football Paradox: A Nation of High Anxiety and Obsession
In Portugal, football is far more than just a sport—it is woven into the very fabric of national identity, carrying with it both immense pride and an undercurrent of tension. The Portuguese have a love affair with the game, one that is deeply emotional and reflective of the country’s collective psychology. For the Portuguese, football is not simply about the excitement of the match or the joy of victory; it is about the agony of anticipation, the stress of waiting for something that might never come, and the catharsis that follows when, at last, the long-sought goal is scored. This dynamic of tension and release mirrors many of the broader challenges facing Portuguese society.
What makes football such an integral part of Portugal’s anxiety-driven culture is the way it amplifies the uncertainty and high stakes of every play. Unlike sports such as basketball or American football, where scoring is frequent and continuous, football thrives on the rare moments of glory—the goal. In football, a single goal can change everything, and as a result, every pass, every dribble, every misplaced ball, becomes fraught with meaning. Football fans in Portugal hang on every move, asking themselves: Is this the one? Is this the moment that changes the game? The tension builds, and when the goal finally comes, there is an explosion of emotion—a release of all the accumulated stress. The collective sigh of relief echoes not just in the stadium but across the nation, as if the anxieties of the entire country are given a brief respite.
However, this obsession with football reveals much more about Portugal than mere fanaticism for the sport. It acts as a microcosm of the national psyche, embodying the constant undercurrent of anxiety that runs through society. Just as football matches hinge on unpredictable and rare events, so too does life in Portugal, where uncertainty about the future creates an overwhelming sense of unease. The unpredictable nature of life in Portugal—the economic challenges, the political instability, the ongoing cultural tensions—echoes the unpredictability of football matches. Every move, every decision, feels loaded with significance, and the outcome is never guaranteed.
Beyond the emotional rollercoaster that fans experience on game day, the state of Portugal’s football league provides further insight into the nation’s underlying anxieties. The domestic football scene in Portugal, once a vibrant and competitive part of European football, now lags behind other major leagues, like those in Spain, Italy, and England. A major reason for this decline is widespread corruption, financial mismanagement, and a lack of investment in the sport at the grassroots level. This has created significant inequality between teams, with only a few clubs able to compete at the highest level, while many others struggle to remain financially solvent.
This imbalance has a direct effect on the national team. The most talented football players in Portugal are often lured to foreign clubs, seeking better wages, greater competition, and more professional development opportunities. As a result, the Portuguese national team is made up of players who, in many cases, play for teams abroad rather than domestically. Out of the 26 players on Portugal’s national team, 21 are based in other countries, highlighting a broader issue of talent drain that mirrors the country’s economic challenges.
This exodus of talent is symbolic of Portugal’s broader socio-economic struggles. Much like its football league, the country has been left with an uneven distribution of wealth and opportunities, with the most promising individuals seeking better prospects abroad. The inability to retain talent—whether in football or in other sectors—creates a deep sense of insecurity, both for individuals and for the nation as a whole. The constant search for better opportunities, whether in football or in other fields, reflects a culture of uncertainty and unease about the future. This contributes to the growing levels of anxiety, as people are left wondering if they will ever have the stability and prosperity they seek.
In Portugal, football fandom might not directly cause anxiety, but it certainly mirrors the broader social issues that fuel it. The obsession with football, the constant tension of waiting for success, and the emotional highs and lows all reflect a national culture that is deeply attuned to uncertainty and expectation. The national obsession with the sport acts as a lens through which to view the nation’s struggles with economic insecurity, political instability, and cultural pressure. It is not just about the love of the game; it’s about the existential anxiety that shapes life in Portugal.
The Economic Enigma: Is Financial Stress to Blame?
On the surface, one might assume that economic instability is the root cause of Portugal’s pervasive anxiety. Economic factors—such as low wage growth, unemployment, and high living costs—are often blamed for increasing stress levels in many countries. However, when examining Portugal’s situation more closely, it becomes clear that these traditional economic explanations do not fully account for the extent of the country’s mental health crisis. While the country does face some economic challenges, such as stagnant wages and a relatively high cost of living, these issues are not as severe as the anxiety levels suggest.
One key to understanding Portugal’s anxiety lies in the fact that its economic conditions are not as dire as many might assume. For example, Portugal’s unemployment rate, while higher than some countries, is still within the middle range for the European Union. In fact, it is lower than countries like Spain or Italy, where unemployment rates have historically been much higher. Similarly, the poverty rate in Portugal is below the EU average, suggesting that the majority of people are not facing extreme deprivation.
The workweek in Portugal is also moderate compared to other European countries, with an average of about 37 hours—far from the grueling hours reported in countries with high levels of anxiety like the United States. Moreover, the country has a relatively strong social safety net, with access to healthcare and social services that provide a degree of economic security for many citizens. In short, Portugal’s economic indicators do not align with the extreme levels of anxiety reported in mental health studies.
This disconnect raises a crucial question: if economic hardship is not the primary cause of Portugal’s anxiety, what is? Research has shown that wealthier countries often experience higher levels of anxiety, not lower. The paradox here is that while Portugal is relatively poorer than many of its European neighbors, wealthier countries tend to suffer from greater societal pressures, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. In these wealthier nations, the desire to maintain a high standard of living, coupled with the pressure to succeed and conform to societal expectations, creates a high-stakes environment where stress levels are elevated.
The fact that Portugal’s economy is not in the dire straits one might expect, combined with the fact that the country has relatively low levels of unemployment and poverty, suggests that something other than economic conditions is driving the anxiety. The answer, as revealed by several psychologists and researchers, may lie in Portugal’s cultural values, its social structure, and its collective history.
Portugal’s culture is one that has long been rooted in tradition, with a focus on family, religion, and stability. This cultural emphasis on maintaining the status quo can create a sense of pressure to conform, which manifests as anxiety. As the country transitioned from the authoritarian regime of Salazar to a democratic society, the loss of political stability left a void that was filled with uncertainty about the future. The rapid changes brought about by democratization, economic liberalization, and globalization contributed to a sense of social dislocation. The lack of clear direction for the future, combined with the societal expectation to adhere to traditional values, created a situation where anxiety could thrive.
In essence, the economic pressures in Portugal, while present, are not sufficient to explain the level of anxiety in the country. The real issue lies deeper, in the cultural and societal expectations that push individuals to conform and maintain a sense of stability, even when the world around them is changing. This mismatch between tradition and modernity, stability and uncertainty, is what underpins the mental health crisis in Portugal, making it a unique case in understanding the complex relationship between societal pressures and anxiety.
The Uncertainty of Conformity: A Cultural Quandary
To understand the deep anxiety pervading Portugal, it is essential to grasp the cultural dynamics at play, particularly the country’s profound aversion to uncertainty. The concept of “uncertainty avoidance,” as identified by social psychologist Geert Hofstede, refers to the degree to which a society feels uncomfortable with ambiguity and strives to minimize uncertainty. In his groundbreaking study of cultural dimensions, Hofstede placed Portugal at the top of the scale for uncertainty avoidance, making it one of the most risk-averse countries in Europe.
This trait is not a recent phenomenon but a product of Portugal’s long history. The Portuguese people have been conditioned over centuries to avoid disruptions and seek stability in all aspects of life. This is rooted in the country’s turbulent past—marked by prolonged periods of authoritarian rule, economic stagnation, and political isolation—which created a collective mentality that favors safety over experimentation. The emphasis on conformity and predictability has been ingrained into the national psyche, fostering a society that is more inclined to follow established norms than to challenge them.
Under Salazar’s regime, the need for certainty was emphasized even further. The dictator’s authoritarian policies were designed to create a stable and predictable social order, free from the chaos of political dissent or civil unrest. People were expected to adhere to the traditional values of family, church, and national unity, and any deviation from this norm was discouraged. This atmosphere of political repression and societal pressure reinforced the idea that uncertainty was to be feared, and change was often perceived as a threat.
Even after the end of Salazar’s dictatorship, this cultural legacy persisted. While Portugal underwent a dramatic political transformation with the 1974 Carnation Revolution, the collective psyche had already been shaped by decades of authoritarianism. The shock of the regime’s collapse left many citizens unsure of how to navigate a newly democratic and increasingly globalized world. Despite the political freedoms now available, the ingrained fear of uncertainty continued to fuel anxiety, particularly among older generations who had lived through the regime and were accustomed to a life of conformity.
The need for predictability extends beyond politics and into the personal lives of the Portuguese people. Cultural traditions, particularly those surrounding family and religion, emphasize the importance of maintaining familiar and stable routines. There is a deep-seated expectation that people should follow well-established paths—whether in education, career, or marriage—without straying too far from the societal norms. These expectations create significant internal pressure, as individuals feel compelled to conform to the roles they have inherited, even when they might not align with their personal desires or aspirations.
This cultural emphasis on certainty can also be seen in the reluctance to embrace risk or new ideas. While other nations might celebrate entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and the willingness to take risks, Portuguese society has historically been more cautious. The idea of venturing into the unknown—whether through a new business venture or a nontraditional lifestyle—can evoke anxiety, as it challenges the deeply held belief that stability and predictability are the keys to a successful life.
The result of this high uncertainty avoidance is a society that is highly resistant to change and innovation. While this may offer comfort and security, it also stifles creativity and limits opportunities for growth. It fosters a collective fear of disruption, which can lead to social stagnation and, in the case of Portugal, a pervasive sense of anxiety. The societal pressure to conform and avoid risk creates an atmosphere where uncertainty is seen not just as uncomfortable, but as dangerous. This contributes to a population that is constantly on edge, uncertain of their place in a rapidly changing world, and fearful of what might happen if they step outside of traditional norms.
Fatima: A Nation’s Spiritual Catalyst
Fatima, a small town in central Portugal, has become one of the most iconic spiritual sites in the world, known for the Marian apparitions that took place in 1917. The significance of Fatima in Portuguese culture cannot be overstated; it serves as both a religious touchstone and a symbol of the deep emotional and spiritual life of the nation. Yet, it is also emblematic of the ways in which religious belief intersects with the collective experience of anxiety and uncertainty in Portugal.
The story of Fatima begins with three shepherd children—Lucia Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto—who, in May of 1917, reported seeing the Virgin Mary in the sky. The apparitions were accompanied by messages about prayer, repentance, and the salvation of souls. By October of that year, over 30,000 people gathered at Fatima, claiming to have witnessed the miraculous phenomenon. The Virgin Mary’s message resonated deeply with the Portuguese people, and the site quickly became a place of pilgrimage for Catholics from around the world.
Fatima’s religious significance cannot be separated from the broader social context in which it emerged. Portugal, a deeply Catholic nation, was grappling with profound national upheaval in the early 20th century. The monarchy had fallen in 1910, replaced by a republican government that was met with skepticism and resistance by much of the population. The early years of the Republic were marked by political instability, economic difficulty, and social unrest. In this period of uncertainty and turmoil, the apparition at Fatima offered the promise of divine guidance and a sense of comfort. It provided a spiritual anchor for a nation that was desperately seeking stability and meaning in the face of political and social upheaval.
But while Fatima is a beacon of hope and faith for millions, it also plays a role in the creation of anxiety. Fatima’s role as a symbol of divine intervention places immense pressure on the Portuguese people, as they are constantly reminded of the need for repentance, sacrifice, and devotion. The apparitions and the messages they contained emphasized the need for conformity to religious doctrines, which can create a sense of guilt and fear—emotions often linked to anxiety. For centuries, Catholicism in Portugal has been associated with guilt over sin, the fear of eternal damnation, and the need for constant atonement. These deeply ingrained religious beliefs, which often lead to feelings of shame and guilt, can exacerbate anxiety, as individuals constantly worry about their spiritual standing.
Moreover, the pilgrimage to Fatima is not just an individual journey but a communal one, representing a collective search for meaning and reassurance. The massive crowds that flock to the site every year reflect a deep societal need for confirmation, a reassurance that the divine is watching over the nation and that its struggles are part of a larger, divine plan. The emphasis on community and shared belief at Fatima is a reflection of the communal aspects of Portuguese culture, where belonging to the group is paramount. Yet, this also comes with the anxiety of conformity. The pressure to adhere to the collective faith and values of the nation can be overwhelming for some individuals, leading to a sense of inadequacy or fear of judgment if they do not fully comply with these expectations.
Despite its religious nature, Fatima’s role in Portuguese culture goes beyond mere spiritual significance. It has become a cultural touchstone, a symbol of national identity, and a manifestation of the country’s struggle with uncertainty. The pilgrimage to Fatima is not just about seeking divine favor; it is about finding solace in a world that often feels unpredictable and chaotic. The town’s role as a spiritual refuge reflects the Portuguese people’s desire for certainty and stability in the face of an uncertain world. The spiritual practices tied to Fatima, while providing comfort, also reinforce the cultural values of tradition and conformity, which contribute to the overall sense of anxiety in Portuguese society.
In the context of Portugal’s anxiety crisis, Fatima serves as a poignant symbol of the country’s relationship with uncertainty. While it offers a space for divine reassurance, it also reflects the pressure to conform to traditional religious and cultural norms, which can fuel feelings of guilt, fear, and, ultimately, anxiety. The town of Fatima, like many aspects of Portuguese culture, acts as a double-edged sword—providing comfort to some while exacerbating anxiety for others, caught between the desire for spiritual peace and the weight of societal expectations.
Saudade: A Cultural Lens for Understanding Anxiety
To fully understand the anxiety that pervades Portuguese society, it’s crucial to explore the concept of saudade, which can be considered one of the defining features of the national psyche. Saudade is a Portuguese word that has no direct translation in other languages, making it a uniquely cultural phenomenon. It refers to a profound sense of longing, a melancholic nostalgia for something that may never return or something that never was. It’s often described as a bittersweet feeling—part sadness, part yearning, and part hope. This feeling permeates all aspects of Portuguese culture, from literature and art to music, and even daily interactions.
Saudade is central to many aspects of Portuguese life. It can be seen in the melancholic strains of fado, the country’s traditional music that expresses loss and yearning. It appears in the literary works of Portugal’s greatest poets, such as Fernando Pessoa and José Saramago, who often wrote about longing and the passage of time. For the Portuguese, saudade is more than a mere emotion; it is a cultural lens through which they view their world. It speaks to a collective experience of longing—not only for the past but also for possibilities that may never be realized.
The origins of saudade are deeply entwined with Portugal’s history of emigration. For centuries, Portuguese families have seen their loved ones leave to seek better opportunities abroad. The 15th and 16th centuries, during the Age of Discovery, were particularly marked by waves of emigration as Portuguese explorers set sail for new lands. Over time, millions of Portuguese left for colonies in Africa, South America, and other parts of Europe, often never to return. The families left behind were left in a perpetual state of uncertainty, wondering whether their loved ones were alive or dead, prosperous or struggling. This long history of separation and the uncertainty it brought are at the core of saudade.
Today, this deep-seated feeling of loss continues to manifest in Portuguese society. For many, the concept of saudade is tied to a feeling of unfinished business—a longing for a past that cannot be reclaimed and a sense of loss that never truly fades. It shapes the national character, affecting everything from how people talk about history to how they process personal and collective grief. This constant emotional undercurrent of longing, paired with a sense of nostalgia for an idealized past, creates a pervasive tension that feeds into anxiety. The Portuguese are constantly in a state of emotional flux, torn between a desire to hold on to the past and the need to move forward.
While saudade can be romanticized in art and culture, its psychological impact is more complex. It can foster an emotional environment where individuals are stuck in cycles of rumination. This tendency to dwell on the past and the “what could have been” can increase anxiety, as it keeps individuals mentally tethered to experiences they cannot change and outcomes they cannot control. It prevents a clear and forward-thinking perspective, leaving the mind in a constant state of longing rather than action.
Moreover, saudade is deeply interwoven with a cultural idealization of loss. The Portuguese do not just mourn the absence of people, places, or things—they romanticize it. This creates a paradox in which longing becomes an intrinsic part of identity. It’s a form of collective nostalgia that constantly recalls past struggles, losses, and sacrifices. While this sense of longing has cultural and artistic beauty, it can also be emotionally draining, particularly when it inhibits people from fully embracing the present or taking bold steps into the future.
Saudade, then, is more than just an emotional trait; it is a way of life for the Portuguese—a way of experiencing the world that balances grief with hope, pain with beauty. However, this delicate balance often tips into anxiety, as the constant yearning for what is gone or what could have been undermines people’s ability to cope with the present or embrace the uncertainties of the future. In this sense, saudade can be both a source of cultural richness and an anchor to the past that keeps Portugal from fully confronting the challenges of the present.
The Genetic Legacy: A Theory of Artificial Selection
While cultural and historical factors provide a deep well of insight into the origins of anxiety in Portugal, psychiatrist Gustavo Jesus suggests that the roots of this national anxiety could be traced even deeper—into the genetic makeup of the Portuguese people. This theory posits that the high levels of anxiety in the Portuguese population could be a result of what Jesus terms “artificial selection,” a process by which the cultural, social, and economic conditions of a society influence the genetic traits of its population over time.
The idea of artificial selection in the context of human populations draws on the concept of natural selection, but with a twist: it refers to the way in which certain traits are passed down not purely through biological processes, but as a result of societal choices, pressures, and patterns of behavior. In the case of Portugal, this theory argues that the genetic prevalence of anxiety could have been shaped by centuries of emigration and the societal structure that accompanied it.
Historically, Portugal’s Age of Discovery led to waves of emigration, with countless individuals leaving the country in search of opportunities in the colonies or elsewhere. The most daring, adventurous, and risk-tolerant individuals were often the ones who left. These were the men and women who were willing to face the unknown and venture into uncharted waters—both literally and figuratively. Over the centuries, those who remained behind were likely the more risk-averse, the more cautious, and the more prone to anxiety about uncertainty.
Jesus suggests that, over generations, this pattern created a population that was increasingly predisposed to anxiety. The more risk-tolerant, adventurous individuals who left for distant lands were no longer part of the gene pool, and those who stayed behind may have passed down traits related to higher levels of anxiety. Over time, this “artificial selection” of traits may have contributed to a genetic predisposition toward anxiety, making it more prevalent in the modern Portuguese population.
This theory is further supported by the fact that Portugal’s emigration was not limited to the Age of Discovery. Over the centuries, waves of economic migration continued, especially in the 20th century, as millions of Portuguese sought work abroad due to economic hardship, political instability, or the promise of better opportunities. During the 1950s and 1960s, for example, a significant portion of the population left for countries like France, Germany, and Brazil. Yet again, the individuals who left were often the more daring, those who sought something beyond the familiar, while those who stayed were often those less inclined to venture into the unknown.
Gustavo Jesus proposes that this historical migration pattern could have led to a population more genetically predisposed to anxiety and more risk-averse than other European populations. With the absence of the risk-takers, Portugal’s genetic makeup may have shifted, increasing the likelihood of anxiety-related traits being passed down through generations.
Moreover, Portugal’s history of authoritarian rule under Salazar could have reinforced this genetic predisposition. The regime’s emphasis on conformity and stability created an environment that discouraged risk-taking and new ideas, exacerbating the genetic traits that predisposed individuals to anxiety. In this sense, the authoritarian period may have acted as a magnifier of these pre-existing traits, creating a cultural climate where uncertainty was not just feared, but actively avoided.
While this theory of artificial selection is still speculative, it provides a fascinating lens through which to understand Portugal’s anxiety crisis. It suggests that the country’s mental health struggles are not just the result of modern-day pressures, but are deeply rooted in the country’s history and even its genetic makeup. The enduring cultural legacy of emigration, combined with the societal preference for stability and conformity, may have created a nation that is genetically predisposed to anxiety—a phenomenon that continues to affect the population today.
In a broader context, this theory also highlights the intricate interplay between genetics, culture, and environment. While it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that genetic factors contribute to a national culture of anxiety, it underscores the idea that human behavior is influenced not only by the present environment but by the historical and genetic forces that have shaped a population over centuries. As Portugal continues to grapple with its mental health crisis, understanding this deeper, more biological component could provide new insights into how the country can break free from its anxious past and build a healthier future.
Embracing the Anxiety: A New Perspective on Portugal’s Mental Health Crisis
While the pervasive anxiety that runs through Portugal’s culture may initially seem like a negative force, it’s important to consider the role anxiety has played in the preservation and protection of the nation’s cultural heritage. In many ways, anxiety, though deeply uncomfortable, has acted as a protective mechanism, one that has safeguarded the traditional values, historical memory, and social cohesion that define Portugal today. This dual nature of anxiety—both a source of suffering and a force of preservation—provides a more nuanced perspective on the national mental health crisis.
One of the most striking things about Portugal’s national character is its deep connection to tradition. For centuries, Portuguese society has been rooted in a sense of continuity, shaped by a common understanding of the past, shared values, and a collective memory of hardship. This attachment to tradition has allowed the country to maintain a cohesive cultural identity despite political upheaval, economic hardship, and external pressures. But at the same time, it has made the country less adaptable to rapid change, leading to the high levels of anxiety that are so pervasive today. Anxiety, in this sense, has been a barrier that has kept Portugal from losing its historical and cultural roots, but it has also contributed to a national reluctance to embrace the future.
This resistance to change is not inherently bad, but it does create a tension between preservation and progress. Portugal’s anxiety-driven attachment to tradition has often been at odds with the pressures of globalization and modernization. The country has been hesitant to let go of old ways, which in turn has sometimes hindered its economic development and ability to innovate. In a world where adaptability and flexibility are increasingly important for success, Portugal’s cultural commitment to the past can feel like an anchor, holding it back from realizing its full potential.
However, there is beauty in this attachment to tradition, especially when viewed through the lens of saudade. The very feeling of longing for the past—whether it’s for lost loved ones, past experiences, or a version of the country that no longer exists—holds immense cultural value. It fosters a deep emotional connection to the land, the people, and the stories that have shaped Portugal. This emotional resonance has allowed the Portuguese to maintain a profound sense of community and a shared cultural identity, despite the pressures of modern life. It has also helped to preserve the nation’s artistic traditions, from the soulful fado music to the literary works of Portugal’s greatest writers.
What’s crucial, however, is how Portugal’s relationship with anxiety can evolve. If Portugal is to overcome the mental health crisis that has plagued the country for decades, it must learn to harness anxiety rather than be ruled by it. This does not mean eradicating anxiety altogether, but rather finding ways to adapt to it and use it as a force for personal growth, collective healing, and progress. For centuries, Portugal’s sense of anxious longing has acted as a preservative—protecting cultural values and identities. Now, it must become a motivator, spurring the nation to confront the challenges of the present while respecting the lessons of the past.
Anxiety, when managed properly, can provide the drive to innovate and adapt while still honoring cultural traditions. It can fuel creativity in art, growth in business, and empathy in society. By embracing anxiety as an inherent part of the human experience rather than viewing it solely as a burden, the Portuguese can begin to reconcile the past with the future, balancing tradition with progress. This requires a shift in perspective—from seeing anxiety as something to be eliminated to recognizing it as a force that, when properly channeled, can lead to positive transformation.
In practical terms, this could mean fostering a culture of mental health awareness and self-care, helping individuals understand the role anxiety plays in their lives and how it can be used to propel them forward rather than hold them back. It could also involve community-building efforts that encourage collective resilience, such as creating spaces for people to share their stories, experiences, and challenges. These efforts could ultimately help break the cycles of rumination and uncertainty that feed into the country’s anxiety problem, allowing Portugal to embrace its future with the same passion and fervor that it has historically reserved for its past.
Conclusion
Portugal’s mental health crisis, deeply rooted in its cultural, historical, and societal structures, reveals a complex interplay between tradition, uncertainty, and emotional attachment to the past. The pervasive anxiety that runs through the population can be traced back to the legacy of authoritarianism, the nation’s attachment to tradition, and the lingering influence of saudade—a collective longing for a past that can never return. While anxiety in Portugal may seem like a barrier to progress, it has also acted as a protective mechanism, preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage and identity through the ages.
However, in order to move forward and address the high levels of anxiety that dominate Portuguese society, there must be a shift in perspective. The challenge lies not in eradicating anxiety but in learning how to embrace it, using it as a force for resilience and growth. By reconciling their deep connection to tradition with the realities of modern life, the Portuguese have the opportunity to transform their relationship with anxiety—harnessing its energy to face the uncertainties of the future with the same strength and determination that has shaped their past. Only then can the country truly break free from the emotional burden of saudade and create a future where anxiety no longer defines their collective experience.