An alarming number of young Belgians are leaving the workforce due to long-term burnout and depression, new figures from the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI) reveal, underscoring a deepening mental health crisis among people in their twenties.
Between 2018 and 2023, cases of depression and burnout lasting longer than a year surged by 44%. Of the nearly 500,000 people on long-term disability by the end of 2023, approximately 38% were incapacitated due to mental disorders—nearly 70% of whom were diagnosed with depression or burnout.
Most troubling is the acceleration of these conditions among people under 30, whose dropout rate from the workforce due to mental health disability is now rising by roughly 22% annually. While the largest absolute number of cases still occurs among older age groups, the sharpest rate of increase is among the youngest.
‘It Was Eating Away at Me, But I Kept Going’
Laura Masoels, now 30, was just 27 when she experienced a severe burnout while working as a reporter for a Flemish newspaper.
Speaking to The Brussels Times, she recalled her breakdown: “I had a lot on my plate. I had to be very flexible—sometimes working very early or very late hours. I didn’t get on with my boss, and the shift to digital created additional pressure.”
On top of work stress, Masoels was caring for several family members. She tried to maintain a facade of control but was barely sleeping and ultimately ended up in the hospital. “I felt very ashamed,” she admitted. “Why was this happening to me when others were able to carry on?”
Masoels has since recovered and even written a book about her experience, hoping to destigmatize burnout among young professionals.
Growing Pressure on Young Employees
Experts say her story is far from unique. Lode Godderis, professor of occupational medicine at KU Leuven and CEO of the IDEWE occupational health and safety service, says the figures are concerning but not unexpected.
“Young people are in the prime of their lives, but the reality is that workplace pressure has increased,” Godderis said. “There is a shortage of workers in many sectors. These are often highly educated young people who still need guidance, yet they are expected to hit the ground running.”
Anja Van den Broeck, professor of work motivation at KU Leuven, noted that younger employees are often placed in positions with considerable responsibility without adequate preparation. “There is a growing expectation for them to perform at a high level early in their careers, which increases stress,” she said.
‘We Have to Perform in So Many Areas’
Frauke, a 30-year-old physiotherapist who requested anonymity, left her job following a workplace conflict that triggered burnout. “Before that, I was super energetic; I could take on the whole world,” she said.
She believes societal pressures are a major factor in the mental health struggles of her generation. “We have to perform in so many areas—have lots of friends, be a good parent, have hobbies, be slim, travel. It’s exhausting,” she added.
This sense of overwhelming expectation is amplified by social media, according to Van den Broeck. “Choice is a privilege, but it also brings stress. If something goes wrong, young people feel like it’s their fault,” she explained.
A Generational Shift in Openness
Experts say younger generations are more willing to speak openly about mental health issues, which may partly explain the rising statistics. But the openness does not make the burden any lighter.
“People today are more willing to share stories about stress, pressure, and difficulties,” said Godderis. “Young people also expect more from their employers in terms of mental health support.”
Frauke, for one, sees no shame in talking about her experience. “If I had cancer, everyone would know. Why should I hide burnout?” she asked.
Masoels agrees. “Burnouts also happened in the past, but people didn’t talk about them. Today, the taboo is much less significant,” she said.
Long-Term Consequences for Careers
The impact of mental health-related work absences can be long-lasting, particularly for those at the start of their professional journeys.
“It is not good for society or for young people themselves that employees are dropping out so early,” said Godderis. “Burnout can have serious consequences. If you are out of work for over a year, it impacts your self-confidence and career trajectory.”
Godderis pointed out that employers may view long absences on a CV with suspicion. “They wonder whether the person will drop out again. That’s why proper support is crucial—both in tackling the root causes and in guiding people back into employment.”
What Needs to Change?
Experts say addressing the problem requires action on multiple fronts. For young people, Godderis encourages trying different jobs early on to find the right fit. “It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. In countries like Denmark and Sweden, changing jobs is common and seen as healthy,” he noted.
Employers, meanwhile, must also adapt. “Companies need to be more realistic in their job descriptions,” said Van den Broeck. “They must understand that starters need time and support.”
She added that organizations should focus on helping young people understand their values and goals: “Are they being deployed in the right way? Are we asking too much of them? We must start answering these questions.”
The Road Ahead
The surge in burnout among Belgian youth raises urgent questions about workplace culture, mental health support, and the pressures placed on young professionals. Without adequate intervention, both individual lives and the broader economy may suffer.
“This is a wake-up call,” Godderis said. “We need to protect our young people—not just for their sake, but for the future of our society.
