Rising Mental Health Challenges Among European Youth Demand Comprehensive Policy Action
Despite slight health improvements, youth in Spain and across Europe face increasing mental health challenges and suicide remains the top cause of death among young Europeans, calling for urgent policy action.
- • In 2021, poor mental health accounted for 11.1 million disability-adjusted life years lost in the EU, mainly due to depression and anxiety.
- • Suicide is the leading cause of death among Europeans aged 15-29, representing 18.9% of deaths in this age group.
- • Over half of Spanish youth experienced mental health issues in the past year, with rising stress and unwanted loneliness at 26%.
- • Eurofound calls for comprehensive public policy prioritizing mental health equally with physical health and improved access to care.
Key details
Europe faces a mounting mental health crisis, particularly among its youth, as recent reports underscore rising anxiety, stress, and persistent high suicide rates. Eurofound's 2025 report highlights that poor mental health resulted in 11.1 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost across the EU in 2021, with depression and anxiety as leading disorders. Despite a declining long-term trend, suicide remains the leading cause of death for Europeans aged 15 to 29, accounting for 18.9% of deaths in this group. Notably, suicide rates, which fell from 12.4 to 10.2 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2011 and 2021, have plateaued since 2017, with a troubling rise observed between 2021 and 2022.
In Spain, youth mental health shows signs of slight improvement following the pandemic, but challenges persist. According to data presented by FAD Juventud and Fundación Mutua Madrileña, over half of young Spaniards have experienced mental health issues in the past year. Stress and anxiety continue to rise despite general health improvements, compounded by unwanted loneliness—26% of youths report frequent feelings of solitude. Anna Sanmartín, research director at FAD Juventud, attributes this paradox to a hyperconnected digital society fostering social isolation and individualism.
Structural and social factors exacerbate mental health challenges across Europe, including digital work transitions, climate change anxieties, socio-economic insecurity, and the impacts of international conflicts. Vulnerable groups like low-income individuals, women, the elderly, and refugees face heightened risks. Barriers such as stigma, inadequate access to quality mental health services, and limited awareness hinder effective care despite existing rights to treatment.
The Eurofound report advocates for robust public policies prioritizing mental health equally with physical health. Emphasis is placed on prevention, improved service accessibility, and addressing social inequalities. Experts stress the urgent need for safe, equitable, and protective environments alongside enhanced emotional education to help youth navigate these complexities and reduce their unmet mental health needs.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.