Stressed Out and Still Stressed? EU Mental Health Takes a Hit
Did you hear the latest one? Pretty major shift in how folks are feeling mentally across Europe, and not the good kind. Suddenly, you’re part of the 12‑plus percent group that’s saying “yeah, I’m not great, and that’s pretty bad.” Let’s dive in.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
- In the first month of the pandemic (March 2020), only 6.4 % of respondents reported their mental health as “bad” or “very bad.”
- Fast forward two years (Spring 2022) – that number has doubled to 12.7 %.
- Even as lockdowns eased and the world tried to get back to normal, the worries stuck around.
- Risk is higher for the younger crowd. Because, let’s face it, they’re still figuring out adult life – and family bills.
Money Matters: Making Ends Meet Isn’t Easy Anymore
- According to Eurofound’s data, 53 % of people faced financial hardships in Spring 2022.
- When it first started, that figure was 47 %.
- High inflation and rising energy bills fever up tensions, especially when people struggle to pay for heating, lights, and the whole mundane stuff.
Unmet Healthcare & Company Feeling Is Maybe the Real Problem
Almost 20 % of respondents said their healthcare was unmet – from missing scheduled treatments to not getting the specialist help they need, especially around mental health. That’s a pretty big bug bite in the wellness diet.
Hope? Not Just a Jigsaw Puzzle
When doors opened again… many thought the mental health nightmare would finally hit the brakes. But the data suggest otherwise. The pandemic’s after‑effects seem to be lingering, and for many the risk of depression remains shockingly high.
What Can We Do?
- Stay aware: talk to friends, family, or a professional about your mood.
- Don’t let finances be the shroud you drape over your head.
- Help others: a simple check‑in could go a long way.
In short, the pandemic didn’t end with the summer holidays – it left a tiny, still uneasy footprint. Knowing this can help us brace for the next wave, and maybe find the support that keeps us from becoming a regular “bad” or “very bad” headline. Stay safe, stay sane, and remember – you’re not alone in this mental health marathon.
