site.bta32% of Adult Bulgarians Know People with Mental Disorders, Survey Finds

According to a nationally representative survey presented Tuesday, 32% of adult Bulgarians know people with mental disorders and 45% do not. The poll, conducted by Gallup International Balkan for the KOJA Foundation platform for mental health, is the second since 2020 that looks into public attitudes to mental health. This time, the results show declarative tolerance and public significance of mental disorders but also more conservatism.

The survey was conducted among 811 adult Bulgarians through face-to-face interviews between August 31 and September 8, 2023. One per cent of respondents represent around 55,000 people.

Despite the rather high levels of recognition of mental health issues and the declared good level of tolerance in Bulgaria, the last three years have impacted Bulgarians' attitudes, the pollsters note. There is less public visibility, more conservatism and people closing themselves off and keeping to their closest circle of friends.

When asked if they know people with mental disorders, 18% of respondents said they are unsure how to reply. The recognition of issues related to mental health is relatively higher among female respondents: 36% said they know someone with a mental disorder, as opposed to 27% of male respondents. Thirty-eight per cent of those aged between 36 and 45 answered affirmatively, while a smaller share of younger and older respondents said they know people with mental disorders.

Sixty-two per cent think that if a person has mental or emotional problems, they should turn to a specialist. Just 19% of respondents believe it is better to rely on relatives and friends, and 8% think these are problems best solved on one's own. A very small share of respondents believe the best solution is to turn to a religious organization. Around one-tenth cannot decide how mental or emotional problems should be solved.

As a whole, Bulgarian society demonstrates tolerance to various topics, problems, and stereotypes related to mental health, at least in words. The more conservative reaction is observed in one-tenth to just over one-fourth of responses. For example, 28% of respondents think those suffering from depression should simply toughen up, 21% believe people with mental disorders should be isolated from society, and 21% think all psychological problems are best solved with a stronger drink and good sleep.