Archive · 3 Sep 2025
WHO Report: Mental Health Crisis Affects Billions Globally
The WHO says over a billion people worldwide have mental health problems.
Anxiety and depression are the most common.
Women are disproportionately affected by mental health disorders.
Suicide is a major cause of death among young people.
Suicide rates are higher in men than women.
The WHO wants countries to spend more on mental health to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mental health issues cost the world a lot of money each year.
Governments spend very little on mental health compared to other areas.
Transforming mental health services is considered a pressing public health challenge.
Over 1 billion people globally are living with mental health conditions.
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health disorders.
Suicide accounted for over 7 lakh deaths in 2021.
Suicide rates are more than twice as high in men as in women.
Average government spending on mental health is only 2.1% of health budgets.
- Who
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- What
- Released reports on global mental health and suicide statistics.
- When
- 2021 data and recent reports.
- Where
- Globally.
- Why
- To highlight mental health challenges and advocate for increased investment.
- People with Mental Health Conditions (2021)
- Over 1 billion
- Most Common Disorders
- Anxiety and Depression
- Suicide Deaths Globally (2021)
- 7.2 lakh
- Economic Loss from Depression/Anxiety
- $1 trillion annually
- Avg. Gov't Spending on Mental Health
- 2.1% of health budgets
- Suicide Reduction by 2030 (Projected)
- 12%
Sources
Suicide Behind One In Every 100 Deaths: WHO
WHO says over a billion people living with mental health conditions globally: Why better data can improve access to therapy
More than 100 cr people worldwide face mental health issues; women form 53%: WHO
Over 1 billion people living with mental health conditions: WHO
