Every October 10th, World Mental Health Day is observed, and this year, the Argentine Catholic University’s Social Debt Observatory released alarming data regarding psychosocial resources and emotional well-being. The report highlights significant deficits in socio-affective capacities, particularly among low socioeconomic groups.
Since 2010, the annual values for psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, have shown a troubling upward trend, rising from 18.4% in the first year to 26.7% in 2023. This means that one in four individuals now experiences these issues without a formal diagnosis.
The study also reveals a strong correlation between mental health struggles and feelings of unhappiness, with personal well-being ratings falling between 11% and 14%. Notably, those living in low-income households, particularly in the Greater Buenos Aires area, exhibit the highest deficits in socio-affective capabilities.
Women report higher levels of psychological distress (30.5%) and social network deficiencies (21.0%) compared to men. The data indicates that individuals aged 35 to 59 are most affected by psychological distress in 2023 (30.9%), while older adults show greater feelings of unhappiness and social isolation.
Experts emphasize the importance of seeking professional help for those experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.