Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Mental health in Chile - Statistics & Facts
Mental health is considered a significant health problem by Chileans. According to a survey carried out in the South American country in 2022, six in every ten people thought of mental health as the biggest sanitary problem among a selection of major global health issues, including obesity, cancer, and even COVID-19. This figure was among the highest in world, nearly doubling the global average. In fact, a similar share of respondents stated thinking about their mental wellbeing very or fairly often, while the majority considered mental health as equally important as physical health. Even so, four in every ten people deemed that physical health is prioritized within their country’s health care system when compared to mental health.
When facing these symptoms, people in Chile tend to turn to family and friends for support. A study carried out in 2022, stated that around 40 percent of Chilean respondents had resorted to their social networks when seeking assistance with mental health issues. Another 32 percent of people stated taking medications to cope with these challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that a similar proportion of people had talked to a mental health professional. This was more common among women than among men. However, men were more likely to make use of private consultations than women, as compared to informal consultations, and state toll-free telephone lines.
Prevalence and coping strategies
As of May 2022, it was estimated that around 21 percent of adults in Chile could have a mental health condition, the lowest prevalence in the country since July 2020, when close to 35 percent of adults presented symptoms related to mental health issues. It was calculated that this share could reach nearly 28 percent in the case of women, compared to a 14 percent estimated for men. In terms of symptoms, sleep deprivation and constant feelings of being overwhelmed top the list. Concentration problems and feelings of depression are also among the main possible signs of a mental health condition. Less common are decreased capability to face problems and feelings of worthlessness.When facing these symptoms, people in Chile tend to turn to family and friends for support. A study carried out in 2022, stated that around 40 percent of Chilean respondents had resorted to their social networks when seeking assistance with mental health issues. Another 32 percent of people stated taking medications to cope with these challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that a similar proportion of people had talked to a mental health professional. This was more common among women than among men. However, men were more likely to make use of private consultations than women, as compared to informal consultations, and state toll-free telephone lines.
Mental health care
In terms of resources allocated to mental health, the Chilean government spends two percent of its total health spending on this area, a proportion comparable to the average among Latin American and Caribbean countries. In 2020, per capita expenditure on mental health in Chile amounted to an estimated 8.6 thousand Chilean pesos, or the equivalent to 12 U.S. dollars. This figure increased in comparison to 2017 when it equaled around five thousand Chilean pesos. The investment translates into 0.1 psychiatric care beds per thousand people, 8.52 psychiatrists per 100,000 population, and 5.39 psychologists per 100,000 people. A lower proportion of social workers, nurses, and other specialized workers complement the workforce of mental health professionals in the South American country.
