Brazil faces surge in anxiety and workplace procrastination

Psychologist Paulo Zago Neto says anxiety is often a symptom of unresolved emotions such as fear, insecurity and worry. He notes that Brazil leads the world in anxiety disorders, with about 19.8 million people (9.3 % of the population) diagnosed, especially women (over 34 %) and young adults aged 18‑24. The rapid, information‑heavy lifestyle and constant digital exposure are amplifying these problems, limiting productivity and quality of life.

Experts also explain that procrastination is not simply laziness but a mental‑process driven by the brain’s preference for low‑effort tasks, which can intensify chronic anxiety and reduce professional performance. Practical strategies such as clear goal‑setting, time‑blocking, and minimizing digital distractions are recommended to break the cycle and improve workplace efficiency.