Did you know over 100 crore people globally struggle with mental health issues, with women constituting 53%?
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Synopsis
A staggering number of over 100 crore individuals worldwide grapple with mental health disorders, with women disproportionately affected. The WHO's recent reports reveal alarming statistics and call for urgent action to address this pressing public health issue.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1 crore people globally suffer from mental health disorders.
- Women make up 53% of those affected.
- Depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually.
- Suicide was responsible for 727,000 deaths in 2021.
- Only 2% of health budgets are allocated to mental health.
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) More than 1 crore individuals around the world are affected by a mental health disorder, with women making up over 53 percent, as per the latest findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) released on Tuesday.
The WHO's reports, World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024, highlight that conditions such as anxiety and depression have a profound human and economic impact, urging for heightened investment and initiatives to enhance services aimed at safeguarding and advancing mental well-being.
“Reforming mental health services presents one of the most urgent public health challenges,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“Investing in mental health equates to investing in individuals, communities, and economies—an investment no nation can afford to overlook. Every government and leader must act swiftly to ensure that mental health care is regarded not as a luxury, but as a fundamental right for everyone,” he emphasized.
The reports reveal that anxiety and depressive disorders rank as the most prevalent mental health issues among both genders, yet women are disproportionately affected overall.
In total, more females (581.5 million) than males (513.9 million) are living with a mental disorder.
The reports noted that mental disorders are particularly prevalent among pregnant women and those within the year following childbirth, often leading to severe repercussions for both mothers and infants. Globally, over 10 percent of pregnant women and new mothers experience depression, a figure that is significantly higher in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs).
Moreover, the report highlighted that suicide remains a tragic outcome, with approximately 727,000 lives lost in 2021 alone. It stands as a leading cause of death among youth across various nations and socioeconomic backgrounds, with progress in reducing suicide rates lagging.
From the targeted one-third reduction in suicide rates by 2030, only a 12 percent reduction is anticipated.
Additionally, the economic repercussions of mental health disorders due to productivity loss are staggering. Depression and anxiety alone are estimated to cost the global economy $1 trillion annually, according to the WHO report.
The 2024 Mental Health Atlas indicated that fewer nations have enacted or enforced rights-based mental health laws, with merely 45 percent of countries assessed having legislation fully compliant with international human rights standards.
The report also pointed to a troubling stagnation in mental health funding. The median government expenditure on mental health remains at just 2 percent of total health budgets—unchanged since 2017—with low-income nations allocating as little as $0.04.
The WHO urged governments to urgently amplify efforts towards a systemic overhaul of global mental health systems. This encompasses equitable financing, legal and policy reforms to uphold human rights, sustained investment in the mental health workforce, and the expansion of community-based, person-centered care.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the profound implications of the WHO's report. The staggering number of individuals affected by mental health disorders highlights a critical public health challenge. The call for systemic transformation in mental health services is not just an appeal; it is a necessity that requires immediate action from governments and stakeholders across the nation.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of people with mental health disorders are women?
Women account for over 53% of individuals living with mental health disorders globally, as stated by the WHO.
What are the most common mental health disorders?
Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental health disorders among both men and women.
How many lives were lost to suicide in 2021?
Approximately 727,000 lives were claimed by suicide in 2021, making it a leading cause of death among young people.
What is the economic cost of depression and anxiety?
The WHO report estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy around $1 trillion each year.
What is the current government spending on mental health?
Median government spending on mental health remains at just 2% of total health budgets, unchanged since 2017.
