Mental health awareness highlights links between lifestyle and psychological well-being

On World Mental Health Day, experts and health data highlight the growing challenges of psychological well-being. In Portugal, statistics show that nearly 20% of people aged 25 to 34 sought mental health professionals in 2025, with women being more frequent users of medication for insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Experts emphasize that mental health is influenced by various factors, including social crises, economic instability, and digital environments. The Pan American Health Organization notes that stress can be triggered by political polarization, natural disasters, and urban violence. Additionally, there is a growing focus on the connection between physical health and mental states; for instance, dietary habits like the Mediterranean diet may assist in treating depression through the gut-brain axis, while chronic anxiety can manifest physically as bruxism (teeth grinding) or sleep disturbances like talking in one's sleep.

While sleep talking is generally considered a harmless parasomnia, bruxism is noted as a condition that can cause dental wear and muscle pain, often linked to stress and anxiety. Health advocates call for greater listening to those with lived experiences to reduce stigma and improve policy and care.