Mental health continues to top, for the fifth consecutive year, the list of main health problems in Spain. This is reflected in the 2026 Mental Health Report by Ipsos, which indicates that 62 percent of the Spanish population identifies it as one of the major health challenges, 46 points more than in 2020. The study also highlights that stress already affects 39 percent of citizens, 21 points more than in 2020, with young people recording the most concerning data.
According to the report, this increase in concern for emotional balance "fits into a context marked by economic uncertainty, difficulty accessing housing, technological transformation, and social changes."
At the same time, social consensus on the relevance of psychological well-being is increasing: 78 percent of respondents believe that mental health should receive the same attention as physical health. However, generational differences persist. Baby Boomers (62 to 80 years old), with a more classic perception of health, continue to place cancer (59%) ahead of mental health (54%).
In contrast, the rest of the generations adopt a broader view, placing mental health first: 61 percent of Generation X (46-61 years old), 65 percent of Millennials (30-45 years old), and 66 percent of Generation Z (14-29 years old) consider it their main health concern.
It is precisely the youngest, Generation Z, who show a perspective more conditioned by emotional and psychological aspects. They place mental health as their number one concern, followed by stress (42%), with an increase of seven points compared to 2025. In third place is cancer (40%), which also increases nine points compared to the previous year.
Are measures being taken to address these problems?
Despite the growing social alarm, 44 percent of citizens claim not to have taken any concrete action to care for their mental health in the past year, a percentage practically identical to that of 2025. Among those who have sought help, the most frequent response has been to talk with family or friends (36%). In contrast, only 17 percent turned to a psychologist or psychiatrist and 16 percent sought support from their primary care doctor.
This lack of action is especially significant among young people. Although they are the group with the highest levels of stress and emotional distress, 30 percent of Generation Z admits to not having taken any measures to protect their mental health in the last twelve months.