Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sept 2: More than 1 crore people worldwide are living with a mental health disorder, with women accounting for over 53% of those affected, according to newly released data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The findings, published in the WHO’s World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024, reveal that anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental health conditions across all genders, but women bear a disproportionate share of the burden. The report identifies a critical global challenge and urges urgent, systemic action to scale up mental health services and support.

“Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities, and economies — an investment no country can afford to neglect. Every government and every leader has a responsibility to act with urgency and ensure that mental health care is treated not as a privilege, but as a basic right for all.”

The data shows that approximately 581.5 million women and 513.9 million men are currently living with mental disorders. Particularly concerning is the mental health impact on pregnant women and new mothers, with more than 10% experiencing depression during or after pregnancy — a number that climbs even higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These conditions often result in serious consequences for both mother and child.

The WHO also highlighted suicide as a devastating consequence of untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions. In 2021 alone, suicide claimed an estimated 727,000 lives, making it one of the leading causes of death among young people globally. Progress toward the global target of a one-third reduction in suicide rates by 2030 remains alarmingly slow, with only a 12% reduction achieved so far.

Economically, the toll is equally concerning. Mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, are estimated to cost the global economy around $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity.

The Mental Health Atlas 2024 reveals that investment in mental health continues to lag behind. Government spending remains critically low, with a global median of just 2% of health budgets allocated to mental health — a figure that has not improved since 2017. In low-income countries, spending can be as little as $0.04 per capita. Additionally, only 45% of countries have mental health legislation that fully aligns with international human rights standards.

The WHO has called for a comprehensive overhaul of mental health systems worldwide. This includes equitable funding, legal reforms to uphold human rights, increased investment in mental health professionals, and expanded access to community-based, person-centered mental health care.

The report serves as a wake-up call to governments and leaders around the world to treat mental health with the urgency, seriousness, and funding it requires.