Belgium’s Mental Health Crisis: Half the Population in Negative Spiral as 1 in 3 Workers Take Sick Leave

Belgium is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, with new data revealing that half the population is in a negative mental spiral and nearly a third of working Belgians took sick leave for mental health reasons in the past year. In response, popular TV personality Tom Waes has stepped forward as the face of a new campaign aimed at destigmatizing mental health support.

The findings come from the AXA Mind Health Report 2026, the sixth edition of an annual study conducted by IPSOS across 18 countries. The Belgian results, based on a sample of 1,000 adults aged 18 to 75, paint a stark picture of declining mental well-being.

Alarming Statistics

For the first time since the study began in 2021, 50% of Belgians find themselves in a negative mental spiral. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, 31% of working Belgians took sick leave for mental health reasons over the past year, up sharply from 26% two years ago. The figure rises to 44% among workers aged 18 to 34.

Overall, 31% of Belgians report having a mental health problem, while 18% say they suffer from depression — a 7 percentage point increase since 2021. Women are disproportionately affected, with 35% reporting mental health issues.

Professor Lode Godderis, an occupational medicine expert at KU Leuven who contributed to the report, emphasized that the causes are rarely singular. “It’s not one factor, but a combination of factors that make us feel less well,” he told HLN. “Three out of four respondents indicate multiple factors.” Belgians face an average of five stress factors simultaneously, with uncertainty about the future (46%) and financial insecurity (44%) topping the list.

Barriers to Care

Despite the widespread need, nearly half of Belgians (48%) with mental health issues did not consult a specialist in the past year. The main barriers are cost (36%) and the belief that help is not needed (35%). On the workplace front, 40% of employers offer no mental health initiatives — yet 80% of workers say they would use such support if available.

Tom Waes Steps Up

In a bid to change these numbers, AXA has launched “De Check” (The Check), a mental health awareness campaign fronted by Tom Waes, one of Belgium’s most beloved TV personalities. Waes, known for adventure travel shows like “Reizen Waes” and the mindfulness program “Kalm Waes,” has shared his own journey of seeking help after a serious car accident in November 2024.

“After my accident I also sought help, that was a difficult period,” Waes told Het Laatste Nieuws. “You’re terribly ashamed, towards your children, towards your parents. I’m only human too.” He added: “Admitting that it’s not easy and seeking help for it, that’s not weakness. Don’t laugh at such people.”

The campaign includes an online self-test tool at mindhealthselfcheck.axa.com that provides users with a personal report on their mental resilience across five domains: sleep, exercise, nutrition, rest, and social connection. Developed with input from Professor Godderis, the tool takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

The AI Factor

A striking finding from the report is the widespread use of artificial intelligence for mental health support. According to ZigZagHR, 54% of Belgians have used AI for this purpose, rising to 74% among those under 35. However, 1 in 5 reported receiving harmful advice from AI chatbots.

Professor Godderis warned that AI provides validation but not genuine therapeutic advice. “AI models like ChatGPT are pre-programmed to tell the user what they want to hear,” he said. “A real therapist, unlike an AI bot, will also dare to contradict you.”

What’s Next

The De Wever government has proposed measures to curb the rise in long-term sick leave, including faster and closer follow-up of cases. However, Professor Godderis has questioned the effectiveness of increased monitoring, arguing instead for positive guidance, prevention, and supportive work environments.

As Belgium grapples with this deepening crisis, the question remains whether the combination of high-profile advocacy, workplace reform, and accessible self-assessment tools will be enough to reverse the trend. For Tom Waes, the goal is clear: “If we can get a number of people to seek help or do something about their situation, that would already be a big step forward.”