Mental health disorders affect nearly one‑third of German teens by 2026

A Zurich Insurance Group report shows that mental‑health conditions are rising sharply among young people in Germany. By 2026, almost one in three individuals aged 15‑19 is projected to have a diagnosed mental disorder, a 36.5% increase from earlier years. Overall, about 13 million Germans – roughly 15% of the population – suffer from mental illness.

The analysis attributes the higher visibility to reduced stigma, more open societal attitudes and better school‑based detection, but it also highlights growing pressure on outpatient care services. Early‑onset disorders can disrupt education, career decisions and long‑term labour‑market participation, potentially leading to lasting social and economic disadvantages. The report urges stronger prevention, low‑threshold support and continuous case management, noting insurers can play a role in facilitating timely interventions.

If current trends continue, sufferers could lose an average of 67 healthy days per year by 2030, the highest figure among the countries studied. Early support is presented as an investment in both individual futures and the broader German economy.