| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the topic. Mental health disorders remain one of the most important public health issues. Unmet mental health needs are associated with situations in which individuals do not seek help, do not receive it in a timely manner, or face barriers related to service accessibility, financial difficulties, lack of information, or stigma. Studies show that gaps in mental health care remain significant due to limited access to services and low help-seeking behavior (7,11,13). In Lithuania, challenges related to accessibility and continuity of mental health care also remain (14,15). Therefore, it is important to assess not only mental health indicators, but also the extent of unmet mental health needs and the factors associated with them. Aim of research. To assess mental health indicators, mental health service utilization, and unmet mental health needs among the Lithuanian population. Objectives of the study. 1. To assess mental health indicators among the Lithuanian population (depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, loneliness, psychological well-being, psychological resilience, suicide risk, and psychoactive substance use). 2. To determine mental health service utilization (help-seeking from specialists, service accessibility, satisfaction with services) and the use of self-help strategies. 3. To assess the prevalence of unmet mental health needs and their underlying reasons. 4. To determine the associations between unmet mental health needs, mental health indicators, factors related to help-seeking and information about mental health services. Methods. An analytical prevalence (cross-sectional) study was conducted using an anonymous online survey. The study population consisted of Lithuanian residents aged 18 years and older. Data were collected between January and March 2026. Mental health indicators were assessed using standardized self-report scales. Statistical data analysis was performed using “R Commander 4.5.3” and Microsoft Excel. Results. Most respondents had no or only mild symptoms of depression and anxiety, moderate stress levels, low loneliness, and average psychological well-being and psychological resilience. However, a proportion of respondents showed unfavourable mental health indicators: severe depressive symptoms were identified in 10.7%, severe anxiety in 7.7%, high stress in 7.0%, high loneliness in 5.1%, low psychological well-being in 17.0%, and low psychological resilience in 35.6%. Unmet mental health needs were reported by 16.3% of respondents. The most common reasons were financial difficulties, stigma, and lack of information. Conclusions. Mental health indicators among the Lithuanian population suggest that although most respondents demonstrated relatively better mental health status, a substantial proportion experienced a higher burden of mental health difficulties, suicide risk, and insufficient psychological resilience. Unmet mental health needs were associated not only with poorer mental health indicators, but also with limited access to care, lack of information, and difficulties navigating the support system. Key words. Mental health, mental health service utilization, mental health services, unmet mental health needs, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, psychological well-being, psychological resilience, suicide risk, Lithuania. |
