Buenos Aires, Argentina – In the throes of one of its most severe economic crises, Argentina grapples not only with financial instability but also a pronounced impact on the mental well-being of its citizens. Psychologist Jesica Bianchiotti, reflecting on a shift in her practice dynamics, notes that conversations in therapy sessions have transitioned from casual topics to pressing concerns about politics, escalating prices, and the daily struggle to make ends meet.
Argentina, boasting the third-largest economy in Latin America, has been plagued by economic turmoil rooted in political instability and substantial international debt. This year, inflation surged to unprecedented levels, exceeding 140 percent, resulting in a sharp devaluation of the country’s currency. Basic necessities, including food, have become challenging for some to afford.
As a consequence, mental health professionals, like Bianchiotti, observe a surge in stress-related conditions among their patients. Notably, Argentina boasts the highest rate of psychologists per capita globally, with a 2015 study indicating 194 psychologists for every 100,000 Argentinians—more than three times the rate of the next closest countries, Finland and Norway.
Psychotherapy, widely embraced in Argentina, has even led some practitioners, such as Gabriel Rolon, to achieve celebrity status through appearances on television and radio shows. The popularity of psychology as a career path is evident, with 2022 statistics from the University of Buenos Aires revealing it to be the second most sought-after field, surpassed only by medicine.
However, the increasing prevalence of psychotherapy aligns with a rising demand for mental health services. Economic concerns, cited as a leading cause of crises in a 2022 study by the University of Buenos Aires, have left 49 percent of respondents grappling with financial uncertainties. Sleep deprivation, reported by 75 percent of participants, further compounds the issue, with a disproportionate impact on those with fewer resources.
Despite the availability of psychologists in public hospitals, budget constraints limit access for lower-income individuals, pushing some to opt for the more expensive private therapy option. Fabian Maero, a psychologist and professor, acknowledges that while many seek therapy in Argentina, a significant portion lacks access to any services due to financial constraints.
Concerns about the accessibility of mental health services heighten with the recent inauguration of President Javier Milei, who pledges an “anarcho-capitalist” approach, aiming to slash government spending to stabilize the economy. Mental health professionals worry about the potential consequences of reduced psychological attention on the population, particularly those in need.
Julieta Bieber, an administrative assistant in Buenos Aires, exemplifies the sentiments of many Argentinians, expressing the pervasive impact of inflation on daily life and its toll on mental health. As the country contends with economic challenges, mental health professionals confront the need to address not only individual concerns but also the broader socio-economic context in their practices.
The prevailing negative mood among Argentinians, reflected in a survey by Voices and the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research, underscores the pervasive impact of economic struggles on the nation’s psyche. Amidst economic uncertainty, citizens grapple with the dual challenge of preserving their mental well-being while navigating the tumultuous financial landscape.
