The data is overwhelming because of what it hides behind. And it is nothing else than that we live in a depressed, sad society, distressed by the uncertainty of today, of tomorrow, a society that, at least now, recognizes that its state of mental health leaves much to be desired and that resorts to professionals in search of help to reduce an inner pain that prevents him not only from enjoying, but from breathing. The experts are clear: sufficient resources must be put in to care for those who suffer from mental problems, who are getting younger and younger every day.
These are the conclusions that can be drawn from the analysis of the study The situation of mental health in Spain, prepared by the Spanish Mental Health Confederation and the Mutua Madrilenya Foundation, which reveals that 26.2% of Spaniards over 18-year-olds admit that they go to a psychologist or psychiatrist for mental health problems: almost half of the population say that they have suffered from anxiety or panic attacks (47.2%) and 42.1% that they have suffered from depression at some point in his life.
To this 26% who turn to a health professional in search of help, we should add another not inconsiderable percentage of citizens who, since they may not be able to access psychologists or psychiatrists, attend another type of services, closer , such as those provided by councils through social services.
But what are the reasons for this obvious deterioration in the mental health of the population? Many must assume that it is because of the pandemic, because of the time we were closed and the fear it generated. But that's not exactly why, although it's related. The reasons that explain this deterioration are, first of all, economic difficulties, the fear of losing one's job and rising prices, as well as uncertainty about the future. And, thirdly, the accelerated type of life we lead, with work, family and the stress this generates. Also the widespread opinion that we live in an increasingly individualistic and highly competitive society.
The study was carried out in 2022 with the participation of more than 2,000 people, both from the general population and those who have or have had mental health problems, as well as health professionals.
But if something is of particular concern to the experts, it is the particular impact on the young population, between 18 and 34. This group is the one that values their mental health most negatively: only 30.8% consider it to be good or very good. In addition, they double the rate of suicidal thoughts or attempts (31.8%) of the general population (14.5%).
Regarding people who have had a diagnosis of a mental health problem, this usually occurs in youth; in particular, the average age of those who have suffered from it is 26 years.
Family problems and relationships (36.3%) and self-demand in the professional or academic fields (32.4%) are the two causes most indicated by people with mental health problems as triggers for the appearance of problems mental health
Although this health problem has historically been relegated (stigmatization remains, as the study makes clear), the population is now demanding that sufficient resources be allocated to mental health care and advocating for measures both health and social to help people with a mental health problem. Among the measures they point out, as a priority, is to increase the number of mental health professionals (67.8%), ensure the continuity of treatment with the same professional throughout the process (48.7%) and the existence of more community mental health centers (46.4%).
On the social level, 58% request support actions to prevent work stress and harassment situations; 51.3% promote community initiatives to prevent loneliness and foster resilience, and 48% urge the inclusion of specific prevention and awareness programs in the educational field.
