Mental health concerns rise in Ecuador and Colombia

Mental health concerns are driving interest in wellness alternatives and prompting legislative discussions in South America. In Ecuador, the Ministry of Public Health recorded over 608,000 mental health consultations between January and June 2023, with stress-related disorders being the most frequent diagnosis. In Quito, surveys indicate that 80% of people find life stressful, while 14.7% report permanent anxiety. This has led to increased interest in CBD as a functional wellness complement to support sleep, mood, and stress response.

In Bogotá, Colombia, the City Council has raised alarms regarding social welfare and mental health indicators. Reports presented during the 2026 District Mental Health Forum highlighted 84 suicides among older adults between January and June of 2024, 2025, and 2026. Councilwoman Rocío Dussán noted that over 50% of elderly residents in Bogotá live in moderate to high levels of loneliness, a primary risk factor. Additionally, the city has seen increases in physical and sexual violence against the elderly population. In the academic sector, Universidad Distrital recorded 1,568 cases of anxiety and depression in the first half of 2024.