Queen Letizia addresses mental health crisis in Spain

During the 2026 World Mental Health Day institutional ceremony in Madrid, Queen Letizia addressed the issue of invisible suffering and emphasized the importance of emotional and psychosocial well-being, particularly for children and young people. The event, themed ‘Take care of your mental health,’ was organized by the Spanish Confederation for Mental Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption, and the 2030 Agenda, as well as the ONCE Foundation.

Spain is currently facing a structural crisis in its mental health services. Official data indicates that 34% of the Spanish population suffers from a mental health disorder. The situation is notably severe among youth, with nearly 60% of those under twenty-five reporting psychological problems in the last year.

Experts warn that the public health system is operating at its limit, characterized by chronic underinvestment and waiting lists that often exceed six months. The crisis also carries significant economic weight; in 2023, over 600,000 sick leaves were attributed to mental health issues, with an average duration of 111 days.