Health Survey shows increase in mental problems

In the past several years, the number of people with mental and emotional problems in Flanders has sharply increased. Young people in particular now report having emotional problems in much greater numbers.

These are the main conclusions of the Health Survey, a large-scale report commissioned by Belgium’s three ministers of public health. The Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV) last year interviewed more than 10,800 Belgians for the survey. The goal of the survey was to alert policymakers to any need for adjustments in mental health policy.

About one out of three Belgians (32%) reports suffering from some kind of mental problem, whether they are chronically stressed, sad, depressed or can’t sleep because of worries. In 2008, that number stood at 26%.

A larger percentage of people living in urban areas reported mental problems than in rural or semi-urbanised municipalities. In the Brussels-Capital Region, researchers found a larger concentration (40%) than in either the Flemish or Walloon Regions.

There is a clear link between emotional problems and socio-economic status: Such problems occur less often in people with a higher level of education. In total, 10% of the Belgian population older than 15 reports having anxiety, 15% shows signs of depression, and 30% mention problems sleeping. All these issues have increased since 2008, according to the report.

The report “demonstrates trends in the well-being of the population,” said Health Survey project leader Stefaan Demarest. “The results among the youth population are a particular cause for concern.”

Demarest sought a possible explanation in recent social and economic developments. “Youngsters are the worst victims of the economic crisis,” he said. “This crisis goes much deeper than just economics, which makes it very difficult to deal with.”

photo: ingimage