The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights 10 key statistics about the prevalence of mental health challenges worldwide, shedding light on the magnitude of the issue and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
- Approximately 1 in 8 people globally were living with a mental disorder in 2019.
- Depression affects around 280 million people worldwide.
- About 5% of adults suffer from depression globally.
- Anxiety disorders affect approximately 301 million people worldwide.
- Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people, or 1 in 300 people globally.
- Bipolar disorder affects approximately 40 million people worldwide.
- Dementia affects around 55 million people globally, with 10 million new cases every year.
- Approximately 1 in 100 deaths is by suicide, with over 700,000 people dying by suicide every year.
- 75% of people with mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment.
- Mental health conditions account for 13% of the global burden of disease.
These statistics provide a snapshot of the global mental health landscape.
Stigma, in the context of mental health, refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that lead to discrimination and marginalization of individuals with mental illness.
Strategies to deal with the stigma of mental illness include promoting education and awareness, fostering empathy and understanding, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for policy changes to ensure equitable treatment and support.