Rising Psychological Distress in Japan Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, has shed light on the growing trend of psychological distress and mental health service use in Japan before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to nationally representative data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (2013-2022), the prevalence of moderate distress decreased from 24.9% in 2019 to 21.8% in 2022, while the prevalence of high distress increased from 4.7% to 5.0% over the same period. Notably, young adults, particularly women aged 26-34, showed the highest prevalence of high distress, with 7.6% reporting severe symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of moderate distress in Japan decreased from 24.9% in 2019 to 21.8% in 2022.
  • In contrast, the prevalence of high distress increased from 4.7% to 5.0% over the same period.
  • The increase in high distress was most prominent among the 35-49 age group, with 5.8% reporting severe symptoms.
  • Women aged 26-34 showed the highest prevalence of high distress, with 7.6% reporting severe symptoms.
  • Mental health service use rose markedly, especially among young adults with high distress, with women consistently reporting higher distress and service utilization than men.
  • The research suggests a polarization in psychological distress in Japan, with a decline in moderate symptoms concurrent with a rise in severe distress.

Statistics:

  • 24.9% of the population reported moderate distress in 2019.
  • 21.8% of the population reported moderate distress in 2022.
  • 4.7% of the population reported high distress in 2019.
  • 5.0% of the population reported high distress in 2022.
  • 5.8% of the 35-49 age group reported high distress.
  • 7.6% of women aged 26-34 reported high distress.
  • Mental health service use rose by 34% among young adults with high distress.

Sources:

  • Psychological distress and mental health service use trends in Japan (2013-2022): Focusing on the change before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2025:120398.
  • (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Journal of Affective Disorders - www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-affective-disorders/)