Health: Adult Population with Mental Health Issues, by country
CountryPercentage of respondents,
in %
AustraliaAustralia39
ChinaChina36
U.K.United Kingdom32
U.S.United States of America31
SwedenSweden31
South AfricaSouth Africa30
BrazilBrazil28
IndiaIndia26
GermanyGermany22
SpainSpain21
NetherlandsNetherlands21
MexicoMexico19
ColombiaColombia15
FranceFrance12
ItalyItaly12
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: May 3 to 31, 2022
  • Published: Oct 2022

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Australia leads in mental health issues

Australia reports the highest percentage of respondents experiencing mental health issues at 39%, distinguishing it as the country with the most significant prevalence among the surveyed nations.

European countries show varied mental health statistics

European nations exhibit a wide range of percentages, with Spain and the Netherlands at the lower end at 21%, and the United Kingdom closer to the top at 32%, indicating diverse mental health experiences across the continent.

Latin American countries report lower mental health issue rates

Colombia and Mexico have some of the lowest percentages of respondents reporting mental health issues, at 15% and 19% respectively, suggesting lower prevalence rates in these Latin American countries compared to others in the dataset.

High variance in mental health issues across continents

The data reveals significant variance across continents, with North America represented by the United States at 31%, Asia represented by China at 36%, and Europe with countries like Italy and France reporting the lowest at 12%.

Asian countries' mental health issue prevalence

India and China's percentages stand at 26% and 36% respectively, showcasing a notable difference within Asia regarding the prevalence of mental health issues.

The United States and Sweden share similar mental health statistics

Both the United States and Sweden report a 31% prevalence rate of mental health issues, indicating similar levels of mental health challenges among respondents.

Lower mental health issue rates in Western Europe

Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands display lower rates of mental health issues, all three countries having a prevalence rate of 21%-22%, suggesting a somewhat less pronounced issue in these Western European nations compared to others.

South Africa's position on mental health issues

South Africa, with a 30% prevalence rate, stands out in the African context provided, suggesting significant mental health challenges within the country compared to the global context of the data.

Brazil and India demonstrate moderate mental health issue prevalence

Brazil and India present moderate percentages at 28% and 26% respectively, placing them in the mid-range of mental health issue prevalence among the surveyed countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country reports the highest percentage of population experiencing mental health issues?

Australia reports the highest percentage of respondents experiencing mental health issues at 39%.

What is the mental health issue prevalence in European countries?

In European countries, Spain and the Netherlands have mental health issue prevalence at the lower end at 21%, and the United Kingdom has closer to the top at 32%.

Which countries report the lowest percentages of population experiencing mental health issues?

Colombia and Mexico report the lowest percentages - that are experiencing mental health issues, at 15% and 19% respectively.

Terms and Definitions

Refers to individuals who are in their mature phase of life, post-adolescence and primarily involved in employment or other such responsibilities. The age limit defining adulthood can vary between different cultures or legal systems, but it is generally considered to start at age 18 or 21.

A state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we think, feel, and act.

Also known as mental health disorders, these include a wide range of conditions affecting an individual's thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors. They can be occasional or long-lasting (chronic) and can affect someone's ability to relate to others and function each day.

In epidemiology, prevalence refers to the proportion of a population who have a specific characteristic or condition at a particular point in time. In this context, it refers to the percentage of the adult population with mental health issues in each country.

A field of research, practice, and advocacy that places priority on improving mental health and achieving equity in mental health for all people worldwide. It focuses on the prevalence, treatment, and awareness of mental health issues across different countries and cultures.

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The organization provides leadership on global health matters, shapes the health research agenda, shares out practical health information, and monitors and assesses health trends. WHO’s work involves helping countries in their struggle to combat diseases - communicable diseases like influenza and HIV and non-communicable ones like cancer and heart disease.

The branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases and health conditions in populations or specific groups. Epidemiological studies help understand how many people have a disease or disorder, if those numbers are changing, and how the disorder affects our society and our economy.
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