The World Health Organization reports that over 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health disorders, with anxiety and depression creating immense human and economic costs. Despite some progress in national policies, WHO calls for dramatically increased global investment and action.
Mental health conditions are the second leading cause of long-term disability globally, affecting all ages and income levels. Depression and anxiety alone cost the world economy $1 trillion annually, with indirect costs from lost productivity far exceeding direct healthcare expenses.
Suicide claimed 727,000 lives in 2021 and remains a leading cause of death among young people. Current progress is insufficient to meet the UN’s goal of reducing suicide rates by one-third by 2030 – only a 12% reduction is projected at the current pace.
While prevalence varies by sex, women are disproportionately affected overall, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common conditions for both men and women.
“Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Every government has a responsibility to ensure mental health care is treated not as a privilege, but as a basic right.”
The findings, published in two new WHO reports, will inform discussions at the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on mental health in New York on September 25.
