Bulgaria reports 16.4% of population lives with mental disorders

The Bulgarian Ministry of Health has reported that approximately 16.4% of the Bulgarian population, or nearly one in six people, lives with a mental disorder. These conditions represent the second leading cause of years lived with disability in the country.

In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Ministry highlighted the importance of mental health for social inclusion, employability, and economic development. The data aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) focus on the importance of personal experience in shaping healthcare policies and services.

A key theme in current global health initiatives is the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric care. The WHO is advocating for a transition from long-term institutional care toward accessible, community-based services that allow individuals to maintain independence and dignity. Currently, only 9% of countries worldwide have fully completed this transition process.