Chilean study links unemployment to higher mental health risks

The twelfth Achs-UC Mental Health Thermometer survey indicates that 18.5% of urban adults in Chile show suspected or present mental health issues. The study found that 16.2% of the sample experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

There is a significant correlation between employment status and mental health. Among unemployed individuals, the depressive symptom indicator reached 36.7%, compared to 14.1% among those with jobs. This comes amid data from the National Institute of Statistics showing a national unemployment rate of 9.6% for the June-August quarter.

Additionally, the Institute of Public Health noted that mental health pathologies accounted for 76% of qualified occupational diseases during 2025, according to records from the Superintendency of Social Security. Experts suggest that responses should integrate improved access to care, workplace prevention, and support during job searches.