Brazil Mental Health Statistics: Workforce Shortage Data

Brazil has the highest prevalence of anxiety disorders in the world, according to the World Health Organization. This page compiles the most up-to-date data on mental health in the country, with verifiable sources, including treatment access and mental health professionals per capita shortage data.

Last updated: May 2026. If you are a journalist, researcher, or content creator, you may cite this page as a source — we only ask that you include the link.

General Overview

1. Brazil is the most anxious country in the world, with 9.3% of the population affected by anxiety disorders — equivalent to 18.6 million people. (Source: WHO, 2023)

2. Brazil ranks 5th worldwide in depression cases, with 5.8% of the population diagnosed — about 12.4 million Brazilians. (Source: WHO, Global Mental Health Report)

3. More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from mental health problems, according to WHO estimates.

4. Depression is projected to become the most prevalent disease in the global population by 2030. (Source: WHO)

5. 40% of Brazilians experienced feelings of sadness and depression during the pandemic. (Source: ConVid Research — Fiocruz/Unicamp/UFMG)

6. More than half of Brazilians reported frequent anxiety or nervousness since the start of the pandemic. (Source: ConVid Research — Fiocruz/Unicamp/UFMG)

Anxiety

7. 18.6 million Brazilians live with anxiety disorders. (Source: WHO, 2023)

8. 9.3% of the Brazilian population has an anxiety diagnosis — the highest rate in the world. (Source: WHO)

9. Brazil has led the global anxiety ranking since 2017. (Source: WHO, 2017-2023 reports)

10. Panic disorder affects 6 million Brazilians, according to the WHO — a direct result of rising anxiety cases. Learn more about 10 anxiety symptoms that can impact your daily routine.

11. Women are 2x more affected by anxiety disorders than men in Brazil. (Source: WHO)

12. Young adults aged 18-24 show the highest anxiety rates among all age groups. (Source: ConVid Research)

Depression

13. 12.4 million Brazilians suffer from depression. (Source: WHO)

14. 5.8% of the Brazilian population has a depression diagnosis — above the global average of 4.4%. (Source: WHO)

15. The prevalence of depressive symptoms increased between 2013 and 2019 in Brazil, even before the pandemic. (Source: National Health Survey — IBGE/Fiocruz, published on PubMed)

16. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, measured in years lived with disability (YLD). (Source: WHO)

Mental Health at Work

17. 470,000 workers were on medical leave for mental disorders in 2024 — including depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. (Source: Fundacentro/Ministry of Labor)

18. Work-related mental health leave increased 39% in 2024 compared to the previous year. (Source: INSS/Fundacentro)

19. Burnout was recognized as an occupational disease by the WHO in ICD-11, in effect since January 2022. Read more in 3 steps to understanding what burnout is.

20. Brazil is the 2nd country with the most burnout cases worldwide. (Source: International Stress Management Association — ISMA-BR)

21. 30% of Brazilian workers suffer from burnout, according to ISMA-BR research.

22. Mental disorders are the 3rd leading cause of work leave in Brazil, behind only musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. (Source: INSS)

Suicide

23. Brazil’s suicide rate rose from 4.99 to 6.41 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2011 and 2019. (Source: Ministry of Health, published on PubMed)

24. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 in Brazil. (Source: WHO)

25. The CVV (Center for Life Appreciation) can be reached at 188 — free call, 24 hours, throughout Brazil.

26. Setembro Amarelo (Yellow September), Brazil’s suicide prevention campaign launched in 2015, has not yet demonstrated a statistical impact on reducing deaths. (Source: Study published on PubMed, 2023)

Access to Treatment

27. Less than 20% of people with mental disorders in Brazil receive adequate treatment. (Source: WHO/PAHO)

28. Brazil has 3.2 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants — below the WHO recommended average. (Source: CFM)

29. Online therapy grew by more than 400% since 2020 in Brazil, driven by CFP regulation during the pandemic. If you’re taking your first steps, see 10 immediate strategies to relieve anxiety.

30. The CFP (Federal Council of Psychology) authorized full online care since Resolution No. 11/2018, expanded in 2020.

Mental health professionals per capita shortage

Brazil’s access gap is not only about demand. It is also a workforce distribution problem: public data and professional council reports repeatedly show fewer mental health professionals per capita in underserved regions than in large urban centers. For readers comparing Brazil with other countries, the most useful indicators are psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, psychologists per 100,000 inhabitants, public service coverage, and wait times for specialized care.

If you are using this page for research, cite the access indicators together rather than isolating a single number. For people looking for care now, online options may reduce geographic barriers; see how online sessions work and anxiety therapy.

Specific Populations

Youth and Adolescents

31. 1 in 7 adolescents (10-19 years) worldwide has a diagnosed mental disorder. (Source: UNICEF, 2021)

32. Medical students show prevalence of depression and anxiety above the general population. (Source: UFPAM study published in USP Medical Journal)

33. Excessive social media use is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression in young people. (Source: Multiple studies — APA, 2023)

Women

34. Women are 2x more likely to develop depression than men. (Source: WHO)

35. Postpartum depression affects between 10% and 20% of Brazilian mothers. (Source: Ministry of Health)

Elderly

36. About 15% of adults aged 60+ suffer from some mental disorder. (Source: WHO)

37. Social isolation in older adults increases the risk of dementia by 50%. (Source: National Academies of Sciences, USA)

Economic Impact

38. Mental disorders cost the global economy US$1 trillion per year in lost productivity. (Source: WHO)

39. For every US$1 invested in treating depression and anxiety, there is a US$4 return in productivity. (Source: WHO)

40. Brazil loses R$78 billion per year from work absences and productivity loss related to mental disorders. (Source: Estimates based on INSS and Social Security data)

Sources Used

How to Cite This Page

MORUS, Fabio. Mental Health Statistics in Brazil (2024-2026).
Available at: https://fabiomorus.com/en/blog/mental-health-statistics-brazil/
Accessed: [date].

If these numbers reflect something you’re living through, taking the first step can be simpler than it seems. Get in touch with Fabio Morus for an initial conversation with no commitment.

If you are going through a mental health crisis, call CVV: 188 (24h, free) or visit cvv.org.br.