New nationwide research highlights widespread stress and exhaustion among Hungarians, with experts warning that seasonal factors such as reduced daylight in winter can further intensify psychological strain.

A recent nationally representative survey conducted by Generali Insurance in December 2025 among 1,000 respondents sheds light on how Hungarians perceive their mental state and what factors could help improve it.

Health is no longer understood solely in physical terms. Mental and emotional well-being are increasingly recognized as essential components of overall balance, affecting work performance, personal relationships and long-term quality of life.

Stress, anxiety and burnout are not isolated problems but widespread phenomena affecting large segments of society.

Experts say maintaining mental health is not a luxury but a prerequisite for sustainable functioning across different areas of life. The Generali survey underscores this shift, showing that many Hungarians are struggling to maintain emotional stability in an environment characterized by uncertainty and mounting pressure.

According to the survey, nearly half of the respondents reported frequently feeling stressed, tense or exhausted. Only 10% said they generally feel energetic and well in their daily lives, highlighting a significant imbalance between demands and emotional resources.

Age differences are particularly striking. One in five respondents under the age of 30 reported experiencing almost constant stress, suggesting that younger generations may be especially vulnerable to pressures related to career prospects, financial stability and future uncertainty. By contrast, respondents over 50 rated their mental health as better than average.

The findings confirm that persistent fatigue and internal tension have become constant companions for many people. Researchers suggest that a combination of workplace expectations, economic pressures, and social challenges all contribute to a sense of ongoing psychological strain.

When asked about their greatest concerns, respondents most frequently identified physical health and financial stability. Younger respondents were more likely to report worries about the future, while older participants expressed greater concern about their health status.

Low Security

Nearly one-fifth of respondents said their overall sense of security is low. Many indicated that a stable financial background, supportive human relationships and greater predictability would significantly improve their mental health.

The link between financial security and psychological well-being reflects broader economic anxieties, as rising living costs and uncertainty about the future continue to influence emotional stability.

Survey responses suggest that Hungarians associate improved mental health with tangible and practical factors rather than abstract psychological concepts. Those who reported poorer mental health said they would primarily expect improvement from a better financial situation.

Respondents who already felt generally well emphasized better sleep, more balanced daily routines and higher-quality social relationships.

Other factors frequently cited included stable employment, regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Researchers say these elements can strengthen psychological resilience over the long term by reducing stress and increasing a sense of control.

The results also highlight the importance of social support. Strong personal relationships and predictable daily structures appear to play a central role in maintaining emotional stability, particularly in periods of uncertainty.

Beyond structural pressures such as financial uncertainty and work-related stress, seasonal changes can also affect mental health. Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is not considered a separate illness but a form of depression that typically emerges in late fall and winter and eases in spring.

According to estimates, severe depression affects roughly one in six adults in Hungary during their lifetime, and based on data from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration, it occurs about twice as frequently among women as among men.

Clinical psychologist Dániel Stoll of the Budai Health Center emphasized the importance of distinguishing between temporary winter fatigue and clinical depression.

“The difference between winter low mood and depression in the clinical sense can primarily be grasped in the persistence, intensity of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning,” he said.

Depression Intensifiers

If low mood, reduced ability to experience pleasure, withdrawal, or exhaustion persist for at least two weeks and significantly affect performance, seeking professional help is recommended. Stoll explained that several factors during winter contribute to the development and intensification of depressive symptoms.

“The reduced natural light also affects the circadian rhythm, which worsens sleep quality and energy levels. This can easily lead to a self-sustaining cycle: less activity, fewer positive experiences, further deterioration of mood,” he said.

Seasonal depression may not appear only as sadness. Common symptoms include increased need for sleep, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, persistent fatigue and reduced motivation and concentration.

Maintaining a stable sleep schedule, waking at regular times, engaging in regular physical activity, seeking natural light and maintaining social connections may all serve as protective factors. However, specialists stress that such measures cannot replace professional care in cases of persistent or severe symptoms.

József Budai, managing director of OTP Health Fund, said awareness of mental health has become unavoidable today.

“More and more people are recognizing that health is not merely a question of physical condition. Just as we pay attention to exercise, screenings or proper nutrition, preserving mental balance is equally important,” he said.

Budai also noted that psychological counseling services can be covered through health fund balances, highlighting the importance of prevention and normalizing the idea of seeking out help.

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