One in six people in Bulgaria lives with a mental disorder
The Health Ministry says about 16.4% of the population is affected. The 2026 campaign focuses on lived experience and community care.
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Approximately 16.4% of Bulgaria's population lives with a mental disorder — around one in six people. The Health Ministry reported the figure on 10 October, World Mental Health Day.
According to the ministry, mental disorders are the country's second leading cause of years lived with disability. Worldwide, more than one billion people live with a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety among the most common conditions.
Lived experience as expertise
The 2026 campaign's theme is “The voice of lived experience: authentic voices, real change”. The World Health Organization and Bulgaria's Health Ministry emphasise involving people with lived experience in designing and evaluating policies and services.
A key theme is the shift from long-term institutional care to accessible services and support in the community. The ministry stresses that deinstitutionalisation means more than closing institutions: it requires quality care centred on individuals and their rights.
WHO also highlights human rights, the empowerment of people with lived experience and cooperation across sectors. This article provides public health information and does not replace consultation with a health professional.
Sources:
Ministry of Health — 10 October 2026
World Health Organization — World Mental Health Day 2026
Illustrative photograph: Christina @ wocintechchat.com / Unsplash. It does not show a specific patient or medical consultation. Cropped to 1200×675 px by 5000.news.
