-Automatic translation

The results show that most measures have stagnated or worsened over the period. Around 70% of adults rated their mental health as good or very good in 2025. The proportion of women in that group has decreased, while the proportion of men has remained unchanged since 2016. The largest declines in the share rating their mental health as good were among young people aged 18-24 and those who find it difficult to make ends meet. Almost 70% of adults get enough sleep on average. The proportion of men has increased, but there has been no significant change among women. Stress and loneliness have increased, and happiness has decreased. The rise in the share experiencing high levels of stress in daily life is primarily driven by increased stress among women.

Significant differences emerge by age, with well-being measures generally lowest among younger age groups and improving with age. Older people more often report better mental health, greater happiness and well-being, less stress, fewer financial difficulties and less loneliness.

The results also show a clear difference by financial status. Those who find it difficult to make ends meet fare worse across all metrics, and their situation has deteriorated more than others'. Although monitoring results do not show an increase in the number of people struggling with financial difficulties, their situation has worsened, and the disparity by financial status has increased.

The trend in well-being indicators for adults over the past decade, particularly among young people, women and those facing financial hardship, calls for a more targeted focus on mental health promotion in society. It is important that the government adopts a 'Mental Health in All Policies' approach, as the determinants of mental health lie largely outside the healthcare system. It is also important to respond to signs of growing inequality in health and well-being in Icelandic society and to ensure ready access to mental health services, regardless of financial status.

More information
Sigrún Daníelsdóttir, project manager, mental health
sigrun.danielsdottir@landlaeknir.is