Share of population with mental distress in Belgium 2001-2018
From 2001 to 2018, the share of people suffering from mental distress increased in Belgium. Based on the General Health Questionnaire, over 17 percent of Belgians suffered from mental distress in 2018. As any scale evaluating psychological problems, a margin of error is to be considered. Nonetheless, psychological well-being is an important aspect of one's general health, and, therefore, is important to assess.
Mental distress can be defined as a state of psychological unwellness that is not necessarily linked to an illness or a mental disorder. This state can take the form of mild and passing symptoms of anxiety or depression that do not meet diagnostic criteria. Such symptoms can occur in response to challenging life situations or existential difficulties. However, when mental distress persists and intensifies, it can reveal a latent psychological disorder and, therefore, requires professional care.
Mental distress can be defined as a state of psychological unwellness that is not necessarily linked to an illness or a mental disorder. This state can take the form of mild and passing symptoms of anxiety or depression that do not meet diagnostic criteria. Such symptoms can occur in response to challenging life situations or existential difficulties. However, when mental distress persists and intensifies, it can reveal a latent psychological disorder and, therefore, requires professional care.
