Five Proven Actions to Prevent Mental Health Issues in Spain: Expert Insights
Experts highlight five scientifically supported lifestyle actions and mindful practices to prevent mental health problems in Spain.
- • Nearly 20% of Spaniards have sought medical help for mental health issues, with 61% experiencing significant daily stress.
- • Dr. Fernando Mora recommends yoga, nature exposure, quality social connections, sufficient sleep, and a Mediterranean diet to prevent mental health disorders.
- • Javier Castillo stresses the importance of self-worth, meditation, and reducing societal expectations for emotional well-being.
- • A healthy lifestyle including nutrition and exercise is vital for mental and physical health, as emphasized by fitness expert Roberto Cabezas.
Key details
Mental health has become Spain's primary health concern, with recent data revealing that nearly 20% of Spaniards have sought medical help for mental health problems, according to the latest CIS Health Barometer. Stress is pervasive, affecting 61% of the population's daily lives, while 37% have faced prolonged depression episodes. Despite this, 43% have yet to seek any form of help. Psychiatrist Dr. Fernando Mora highlights five scientifically supported preventive actions that can be adopted immediately: practicing yoga to improve physical and emotional balance, spending time in nature to elevate mood and prevent depression, maintaining quality social relationships for emotional support, ensuring 7 to 9 hours of sleep to aid emotional regulation, and following a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which has been linked to a 33% reduction in depression risk. Even moderate regular physical activity is recommended to help prevent anxiety and depression (117891).
Javier Castillo, author and personal growth expert, emphasizes the critical role of self-worth and healthy self-relationship in mental health. He identifies high societal expectations as a chief source of daily stress and a survival mindset, advocating instead for finding pleasure in lived experiences over simply meeting expectations. Castillo recommends meditation and silence as vital tools to improve self-confidence and facilitate emotional well-being by allowing space for calm and self-reflection. The way individuals relate internally to themselves profoundly influences their emotional state. Complementing this perspective, fitness expert Roberto Cabezas underscores maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and regular exercise as essential to both physical and mental health. He especially promotes combating stress via fitness and enjoys consuming protein-rich foods to support well-being (117885).
These expert insights collectively underline a multifaceted approach to preventing mental health issues: combining scientifically validated lifestyle changes with mindful reflection and emotional self-care. As Spain grapples with growing mental health challenges, these accessible strategies offer practical pathways to foster emotional resilience and improve overall well-being.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.