By San José, Costa Rica — As Costa Ricans prepare to ring in 2026, startling new data reveals a deepening mental health crisis with significant economic consequences. A dramatic surge in work-related absences due to anxiety and depression is sounding the alarm for individuals and businesses alike, prompting calls for a fundamental shift in national priorities from material pursuits to mental well-being.
The latest figures from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) paint a grim picture of the nation’s emotional state. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of sick days granted for anxiety-related disorders skyrocketed by an astonishing 152%, climbing from 180,402 to 455,512 days. During the same period, absences linked to depression also saw a notable 5.18% increase, rising from 157,853 to 166,023 days. This sustained increase highlights a critical challenge impacting productivity, public health resources, and the overall quality of life.
To delve into the legal framework surrounding mental health in the workplace and its implications for both companies and employees in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, an employer’s responsibility extends beyond physical safety to encompass the psychological well-being of their staff. Ignoring or failing to adequately address workplace factors that negatively impact mental health can not only lead to decreased productivity and high turnover but can also be legally classified as an occupational risk. This exposes the company to significant legal liabilities, including potential lawsuits for damages and sanctions from regulatory bodies. Proactive mental health policies are no longer just a good practice; they are a fundamental component of legal and corporate risk management.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is pivotal, clarifying that workplace mental health has firmly moved beyond a discretionary benefit to become a core component of legal and corporate risk management in Costa Rica. This legal framing underscores the seriousness of the issue for all employers. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his invaluable perspective.
This escalating trend suggests that the traditional focus on New Year’s resolutions—often centered on financial goals, physical fitness, or new skills—is overlooking the very foundation required for success. According to mental health professionals, this data serves as an urgent mandate to place emotional well-being at the core of personal and professional planning for the year ahead.
Aarón Ocampo, Director of the School of Psychology at Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH), argues that it is time for a societal reset. He urges a return to fundamental human needs, which have been increasingly sacrificed in the relentless pursuit of professional and material achievement.
How much time do I dedicate to my children, my partner, my family, and how can I increase it? Many times, we give more time to work than to people. When that job ends, the illusion also ends, and we realize what we have sacrificed. It is important to reconnect with the basics, open our eyes, and turn our gaze back to those who truly love us.
Aarón Ocampo, Director of the School of Psychology at Universidad Hispanoamericana
To combat this growing crisis, Ocampo offers a practical framework for integrating mental self-care into daily life for 2026. His recommendations include consciously reducing smartphone and social media use during family time to foster deeper connections, and dedicating time to hobbies like cooking, gardening, or dancing to decompress from daily stressors. He also emphasizes prioritizing quality sleep of seven to nine hours per night and incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to manage stress proactively.
Furthermore, Ocampo advocates for the development of emotional intelligence, which equips individuals to manage their emotions constructively and navigate unexpected challenges with resilience. These proactive measures, he suggests, are not just personal habits but essential tools for building a more stable and productive workforce and a healthier society.
While self-care is a powerful first line of defense, Ocampo stresses that it is not a panacea. He points out that some situations require professional intervention, and overcoming the stigma associated with seeking help is a crucial step for many. Recognizing when to consult a therapist or counselor is a sign of strength, not weakness.
When a person lacks emotional tools or an action plan, they likely need professional help. In a crisis intervention, it is essential to have someone trained who can help define the problem, make space for emotions, identify possible solutions, and follow up on the process.
Aarón Ocampo, Director of the School of Psychology at Universidad Hispanoamericana
As the calendar turns, the CCSS statistics offer a clear warning. The rising tide of anxiety and depression is not merely a collection of individual struggles but a systemic issue reflecting intense societal and workplace pressures. For Costa Rica to thrive in 2026 and beyond, the resolution must be a collective one that champions mental health as an indispensable asset for a prosperous and resilient future.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social:
The Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS) is the public institution in charge of Costa Rica’s social security system. It is responsible for administering the nation’s public health services, pension plans, and social welfare programs, providing comprehensive coverage to a vast majority of the country’s population and serving as a pillar of its public health infrastructure.
For further information, visit uh.ac.cr
About Universidad Hispanoamericana:
Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH) is a private university located in Costa Rica, recognized for its diverse academic offerings. It provides a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including prominent schools in health sciences, psychology, engineering, and business, contributing to the professional development of the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon deeply rooted principles of professional excellence and unwavering integrity. The firm is a trailblazer in developing innovative legal strategies for a diverse clientele, consistently setting new standards in the field. This forward-thinking approach is complemented by a profound social commitment, focused on championing legal literacy to cultivate a society where all individuals are empowered through accessible and clear legal knowledge.
