1 in 3 Flemish Adults Has Low Mental Resilience

Roughly one in three adults in Flanders struggles to recover mentally after stress or a setback, according to new findings from Sciensano, Belgium’s federal public health institute. Young adults, women and people facing financial hardship emerge as the most vulnerable groups, prompting calls for a broader policy response.

According to VRT NWS, the results come from the Preventiebarometer, a recurring health survey run by Sciensano on behalf of the Flemish Department of Care. For the first time, the questionnaire measured “resilience” — how well and how quickly a person bounces back from a stressful situation or setback.

What the Numbers Show

Secured through detailed figures published by Medi-Sfeer/Belga, the study found that 29.3% of surveyed Flemish adults have low resilience, while 64.6% have average resilience and just 6% have high resilience. The survey was completed by 3,856 adults.

The differences between groups are pronounced. Women are considerably more likely than men to report low resilience (34.8% versus 23.5%), and the share of men with high resilience is more than double that of women (8.5% versus 3.7%). Age is an even sharper predictor: among 18- to 24-year-olds, 42.7% have low resilience — the highest of any age group — while those aged 65 and over fare best.

Income also plays a decisive role. Among people who find it difficult to make ends meet, 38.1% report low resilience, compared with 26.2% of those who manage financially.

Why Young People and Women Are Hit Hardest

“Young adults are again shown to be struggling, and that is striking,” said Marie Vermote, a researcher at Sciensano and co-author of the study. She attributes the pattern to performance pressure, prejudice and the sense of being overwhelmed by social media. Nearly seven in ten young adults say they lack the personal tools to cope with difficult emotions and situations.

For women, Vermote points to a different mix of pressures. “Women more often experience obstacles that affect their mental well-being compared with men,” she said. “They feel more performance pressure at home and at work. They also worry far more about societal issues such as climate change, war, politics or the economy.”

The consequences of low resilience are not abstract. Vermote warns that someone with low resilience may become anxious or deal with depressive symptoms, which can disrupt daily functioning.

A First-Ever Measurement

The Preventiebarometer, which began in 2019 and has been run by Sciensano since 2022, is a cross-sectional survey that can be repeated over time. According to the Sciensano project page, it aims to include at least 3,000 participants and covers modules ranging from alcohol and smoking to mental health and cancer screening.

Vermote noted that about seven in ten Flemish adults have normal to high resilience, meaning they can handle stress and setbacks and move on after difficult moments. “But there is also a group with lower resilience,” she added. “One in three — that is a substantial part of the population.”

A Campaign Calls for Connection

The findings land during “Samen Veerkrachtig” (Together Resilient), an annual mental health campaign running from 1 to 10 October. The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Goed omringd zijn” (Being well surrounded), framing social connection as a key ingredient of resilience, according to the campaign website.

Across Flanders, local initiatives have taken up the message. In the Kempen region, 23 municipalities are organizing walks throughout October to encourage residents to slow down and connect, as NNieuws reported. “Walking is a simple way to strengthen both your physical and mental health, and walking together creates encounters and a sense of connection,” said Dorien Van de Poel, an inter-municipal prevention worker in Zuiderkempen.

A Two-Track Approach

The Vlaams Instituut Gezond Leven (Flemish Institute for Healthy Living) is calling for a dual strategy: strengthening individual resilience and skills through accessible tools, while also investing in the environments where people live and grow — affordable and accessible care, workable jobs, social connection and a healthy living environment.

Vermote offered practical advice for individuals as well. “You can take on activities that give you energy, such as exercising or pursuing a hobby. You can also seek out some greenery,” she said. “Those small things can give your mental well-being a boost. Or you can seek professional help.”

What to Watch

The findings feed into the Flemish government’s preventive health policy, which uses Preventiebarometer results to guide decisions. With nearly a third of adults reporting limited resilience and the youngest cohort faring worst, the question now is whether individual-level campaigns and structural investments together can move the needle — and whether the next measurement round will show any shift.