The figures have been taken from several publications, the number of participants therefore varied. The source does not specify the number of respondents. Furthermore, the sampling of respondents was made online and not controlled scientifically. However, a logistic regression model based on age, gender, and the yearly population, was used to evaluate the psychological well-being of the entire Belgian population.
The psychological well-being is based on the answers to the 12 items of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). As any scale evaluating psychological problems, a margin of error is to be considered. The presented share of the population who suffer from mental distress in Belgium is to be considered as a general picture of the situation across the country.
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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 ** 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.
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Sciensano. (January 1, 2020). Share of population who suffer from mental distress in Belgium from 2001 to 2018 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 09, 2026, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1114625/share-of-population-with-mental-distress-in-belgium/
Sciensano. "Share of population who suffer from mental distress in Belgium from 2001 to 2018." Chart. January 1, 2020. Statista. Accessed May 09, 2026. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1114625/share-of-population-with-mental-distress-in-belgium/
Sciensano. (2020). Share of population who suffer from mental distress in Belgium from 2001 to 2018. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 09, 2026. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1114625/share-of-population-with-mental-distress-in-belgium/
Sciensano. "Share of Population Who Suffer from Mental Distress in Belgium from 2001 to 2018." Statista, Statista Inc., 1 Jan 2020, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1114625/share-of-population-with-mental-distress-in-belgium/
Sciensano, Share of population who suffer from mental distress in Belgium from 2001 to 2018 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1114625/share-of-population-with-mental-distress-in-belgium/ (last visited May 09, 2026)
Share of population who suffer from mental distress in Belgium from 2001 to 2018 [Graph], Sciensano, January 1, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1114625/share-of-population-with-mental-distress-in-belgium/
