# Mental health prevalence and care shortages in Iberia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mental-health-prevalence-in-iberia > Updated: 2026-10-21T06:58:54.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 5. Mental health challenges, specifically anxiety and depression, are increasingly prominent across the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, experts suggest the country may hold the highest prevalence of these disorders in Europe and the OECD, with approximately 8% of the population diagnosed with depression. National Mental Health Director Miguel Xavier has noted a rising demand for psychiatric services among adolescents, where nearly one in three young people aged 15 to 24 are readmitted to psychiatric hospitals within three months of their initial stay. In Spain, the crisis is compounded by severe resource shortages. While the country maintains an optimal density of general physicians, it possesses only half the number of psychiatrists compared to its neighbors. This shortage impacts the approximately 1% of the population suffering from severe disorders like schizophrenia. In response to World Health Organization guidelines promoting community-based care, the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SEPSM) has cautioned that de-institutionalization must not lead to the abandonment of hospital admissions when essential for patient safety. Regional data highlights intensifying trends. In Galicia, authorities are addressing a significant rise in psychotropic drug consumption; the region has led Spain in antidepressant use for six consecutive years, recording 168.4 daily doses per thousand inhabitants—52% higher than the national average. Consequently, the Consellería de Sanidade has established a strategic plan through 2030 to promote rational medication use and improve access to psychological treatments. In the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal area, the Gazteak Saretzen initiative has been launched to combat rising emotional distress and loneliness among youth. The program utilizes professional teams to provide prevention and early detection within schools and sports centers, training educators and families to identify needs and connect young people with resources. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Mental health challenges rise in Spain's Galicia and Nerbioi-Ibaizabal regions Spain faces growing mental health concerns, with Galicia seeing record antidepressant use and Nerbioi-Ibaizabal launching the Gazteak Saretzen program to support youth emotional well-being. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mental-health-challenges-rise-in-spains-galicia-and-nerbioi-ibaizabal-regions ### 2026-10-13: Spain faces youth well-being and education crisis New reports indicate a crisis in Spanish youth welfare and education, with UNICEF noting a doubling of adolescent loneliness and the Atenea think tank calling for major educational reforms. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atenea-foundation-proposes-comprehensive-spanish-education-reform ### 2026-10-09: Spain faces psychiatrist shortage amid mental health care challenges Spanish psychiatric experts warn of a shortage of specialists and call for increased resources to support community-based mental health care and ensure safety for patients with severe disorders. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-faces-psychiatrist-shortage-amid-mental-health-care-challenges ### 2026-09-29: Mental health challenges and professional shortages in Spain Spain faces rising mental health issues, with 25% of the population reporting stress. While mindfulness and exercise are proven aids, a shortage of psychologists threatens equitable access to care. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mental-health-challenges-and-professional-shortages-in-spain ### 2026-09-28: Portugal faces high mental health prevalence and rising youth anxiety Portugal reports high rates of depression and anxiety. Officials are pushing for community-based mental health teams for youth to reduce high psychiatric readmission rates among adolescents. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-faces-high-mental-health-prevalence-in-europe --- Cite as: Mental health prevalence and care shortages in Iberia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mental-health-prevalence-in-iberia