Seven in ten adults in Flanders have a normal to high level of mental resilience, according to new figures from health institute Sciensano. But the findings also reveal a clear divide, with young adults, women and people on lower incomes or with lower levels of education more likely to experience difficulties with their mental wellbeing.
The figures were published as part of ‘Samen Veerkrachtig‘, the annual campaign focusing on mental health. From 2026, mental wellbeing has been included as a full prevention programme within the Flemish Government‘s Healthy Generation health objective.
Mental health is not simply about the absence of psychological problems, but also about feeling well, being able to function and experiencing meaning in life. Resilience is an important part of this, Sciensano says.
“The Prevention Barometer has measured resilience for the first time in a representative Flemish sample, using a validated measurement tool,” said Marie Vermote of Sciensano in a press release. Around seven in ten adult Flemings have normal to high resilience, meaning they can cope with stress and adversity and move forward after difficult experiences. At the same time, a group has lower resilience, she noted, highlighting an important role for prevention.
Clear differences between groups
Other measures in the Prevention Barometer that assess aspects of mental wellbeing point in the same direction. While the overall figures are positive, certain groups are significantly more vulnerable.
These include young adults, women and people with lower levels of education or income. They also systematically report more barriers to mental wellbeing, including a lack of personal tools for dealing with difficult emotions or situations, prejudice and stigma, and negative influences from their physical surroundings.
The Flemish Institute for Healthy Living is therefore calling for a two-track approach. One part should focus on strengthening individual resilience and skills through accessible tools such as Expeditie Geluk, NokNok, and Geluksmakers. The other should address the environments in which people live and grow up, including affordable and accessible healthcare, sustainable working conditions, social connections and a healthy living environment.
“It is important to invest from an early age in circumstances that support mental wellbeing, and to pay attention throughout people’s lives to the factors that influence it,” said Daan Gielen, a mental wellbeing expert at the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living.
Strong support for helping vulnerable groups
The research also points to broad public support for greater action. Nine in ten people in Flanders support providing more support to vulnerable groups, making this perhaps the most significant finding for the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living.
Almost as many people consider activities that strengthen social connections and reduce loneliness important.
According to the institute, the findings call for an integrated approach that cuts across health, education, employment and local government. The Flemish government’s new Healthy Generation health objective could provide the framework for such an approach.
The Prevention Barometer is conducted by Sciensano on behalf of the Department of Care. It covers a range of health topics. Earlier this year, reports were also published on alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use, eating habits, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sexual health.
