The latest National Health Survey, published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), paints a worrying picture of mental health in Spain. In the past three years, between 2020 and 2023, the proportion of the population experiencing depressive symptoms has tripled, from 5.4% to an alarming 14.6%. This development is particularly concerning as it affects all age groups, although older people are proportionally more affected. The prevalence of severe depressive disorders has also increased to the same extent, now affecting 8% of the population, almost one in ten.
Self-Perception and Reality: A Contradiction?
Interestingly, the general self-perception of the population’s health has continuously improved since 1987, with 74% of Spaniards reporting good health. However, this optimism does not seem to reflect the growing mental health crisis. While Spaniards are eating better, smoking less, and exercising more, high blood pressure (20.2%), chronic back pain (19.8%), and high cholesterol (18.3%) remain health challenges. But mental health has developed its own steeply rising curve.
The Hidden Epidemic: From Mild to Severe Symptoms
When considering the range of depressive symptoms from mild to severe, the percentage of those affected rises to almost 30% – a startling result based on individual perception rather than medical diagnosis. It is particularly striking that the prevalence is significantly higher among people who cannot work due to disability or unemployment. Regional differences are also apparent: the autonomous communities of Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Madrid, the Canary Islands, and Galicia have suffered the most from this deterioration.
Progress and Setbacks: A Mixed Picture of Public Health
Despite the dramatic increase in mental health problems, there are also positive developments. Awareness of healthy lifestyle habits has increased. Fruit and vegetable consumption has risen, and sedentary lifestyles are less common than a decade ago. Alcohol consumption has also been declining for years, and tobacco consumption has drastically reduced since 1997.
Nevertheless, there are also downsides: Overweight and obesity have steadily increased since 1987, although growth appears to be slowing down. However, a study published in The Lancet predicts that by 2050, three out of four men in Spain could be overweight or obese if current trends continue. This represents a serious public health problem.
The latest data from the National Health Survey reveal an urgent need to pay greater attention to mental health in Spain. Comprehensive strategies are required to reverse this worrying trend and strengthen the population’s mental resilience.
