WHO estimates that one billion people worldwide suffer from mental disorder

According to the World Health Organization’s most recent statistics, almost one billion people suffer from some sort of mental disorder. 

The shocking statistic was made by the fact that it includes one out of every seven youths, according to the figures revealed on Friday  

“To make matters worse, the incidence of common disorders like sadness and anxiety increased by more than 25% in the first year of the COVID-19 epidemic,” it claimed. 

Social and economic inequities, public health emergencies, conflict, and climate catastrophes are all global, systemic dangers to mental health.  

The health body said that depression and anxiety went up by more than 25 percent in the first year of the pandemic alone. It also suggested the recognition of the critical roles that mental health plays in sustainable development. 

“Investment into mental health is an investment into a better life and future for all,” WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said. 

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Mr Ghebreyesus said that even before COVID-19 hit, only a small fraction of people needing help had access to adequate, affordable, quality mental health treatment. 

He said that more than 70 per cent of those with psychosis worldwide did not get the help they needed. 

“The gap between rich and poor nations highlights unequal access to healthcare. Seven in 10 people with psychosis receive treatment in high-income countries, compared to only 12 per cent in low-income countries,”

The situation is more dramatic for cases of depression, pointing to gaps in assistance across all countries, including high-income ones. 

“However, Only one-third of people who suffer from depression receive formal mental health care. 

“Although high-income countries offer ‘minimally-adequate’ treatment for depression in 23 per cent of cases. This also drops to just three per cent in low and lower-middle-income countries,” he said. 

He also added, “We need to transform our attitudes, actions and approaches to promote and protect mental health and and prevent mental disorder. We should also provide and care for those in need.”