Alarming Growth in Mental and Behavioral Disorders: A Detailed View of Mental Health in Spain

2023-12-15 14:22:51

The recent report of National system of healthpublished by Ministry of Healthoffers a detailed view of the health in our countryhighlighting a alarming growth in cases of mental and behavioral disorders.

Despite widespread confidence in the system healthcarethe document reveals Disturbing figures on mental health from spanish population.

According to the report, the hospital care It is rated positively by the majority of citizens, obtaining a score of 7.2 out of 10.

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However, primary care receives a slightly lower rating, reaching 6.2 points. In the year 2022, the hospital care activity served four million patients admitted and performed 3.4 million surgical interventions. The primary carefor its part, managed 453 million queries.

Although three out of four Spaniards consider their health to be “good or very good”, the report indicates that sedentary lifestyle affects four out of ten people in his free time.

Las main causes of mortality are still the cardiovascular diseases and the cancerrepresenting more than 50% of recorded deaths. Besides, Mental health emerges as a significant problem, with more than 4,000 suicides annual.

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Alarming prevalence of Mental Health problems

The report details the mental health situation in Spainpresenting updated data until 2021. With an age-adjusted prevalence, 357.2 cases of mental and behavioral disorders for every 1,000 inhabitants in that year. This represents an increase of 13% compared to 2019 and 43.5% compared to 2016.

He increase of cases is more pronounced in women and people from advanced age.

The national prevalence of 357.2 breaks down into 326.8 for men and 384.3 for women. Furthermore, 37% of the total population experiences some type of mental health problema figure that increases to 50% in those over 75 years of age.

Mental health: significant regional differences

The report reveals marked differences in the prevalence of problems of mental health by autonomous communities.

Castilla la Mancha, with only 93.3 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, is positioned as the region with the lowest incidence, well below the national average. They follow him Estremadura with 118.8 and Basque Country with 293.3 cases.

By contrast, The Canary Islands top the list with 485.1 cases per 1,000 inhabitantsfollowed closely by Valencian Community (455.7), the Murcia Region (426,7), y Balearics (419,5).

Despite these figures, Spain has the fifth lowest rate in the European Union in hospitalizations for mental disorders and behavior.

The report highlights the urgent need for address mental health problems in Spainpointing out the importance of implementing preventive and intervention measures at the national level.

Seasonal depression: what it is and symptoms

The seasonal depressionalso known as seasonal affective disordermanifests itself in autumn e winterdissipating in spring and summer, according to MedlinePlus, the portal of the United States National Library of Medicine.

Experts highlight that seasonal changes affect moodleading to emotional fluctuations notable during cold seasons.

In fall and winter, shorter days can induce feelings of sadnesswhile the arrival of spring and more hours of sunshine can improve emotional well-being.

This seasonal disorder is characterized by recurring patterns, with symptoms persisting for 4 to 5 months of the year. Next, we will explore more about this topic and how to recognize its signs.

People who experience seasonal depression often go through periods of melancholy and anguish during the months cold, experiencing notable improvements with the arrival of spring. These mood changesclosely linked to the seasons, define this affective disorder.

It is important to be alert to following common symptoms of seasonal depression:

  • Feelings of hopelessness: a persistent sense of discouragement and lack of hope can be a key indicator.
  • Low energy: experience constant fatigue and lack of energy, even to perform everyday tasks.
  • Sadness: feelings of deep and prolonged sadness that affect emotional well-being.
  • Difficulty to sleep: alterations in sleep patterns, whether insomnia or excessive sleeping.
  • Thoughts of death or suicide: suicidal ideation or persistent worry about death.
  • Excess sleep or insomnia: extremely long or short sleep patterns.
  • Social withdrawal: stay away from social activities and prefer isolation.
  • Excessive carbohydrate consumption: a tendency to seek comfort in carbohydrate-rich foods.
  • Weight gain: significant weight gain during the affected season.
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities: disinterest in activities that normally bring pleasure and satisfaction.

Recognizing these signs is the first step to seek support and treatment. If you identify with several of these symptoms, it is essential consult with a mental health professional to receive appropriate guidance and support.

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