More than one billion people around the world are currently living with mental health conditions, according to new findings from the World Health Organization (WHO). The data highlights a growing global crisis driven by widespread cases of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders affecting all age groups and income levels.
The WHO’s newly published reports — World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 — paint a mixed picture. While progress has been made in updating policies and improving awareness, experts warn that the pace of reform and investment remains far too slow to meet the world’s growing needs.
“Mental health must be treated as a fundamental human right, not a privilege,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “Investing in mental health is an investment in people, communities, and economies. No country can afford to ignore this challenge.”
The numbers tell a troubling story. Mental health disorders are now the second leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, taking a severe toll on individuals, families, and societies. Suicide alone claimed an estimated 727,000 lives in 2021, making it one of the top causes of death among young people. Despite global efforts, the world remains off track to meet the United Nations’ target of reducing suicide rates by one-third by 2030.
The economic cost of mental health conditions is equally alarming. Depression and anxiety are estimated to drain the global economy of over US$ 1 trillion each year through lost productivity and rising healthcare expenses. Yet government spending on mental health remains stagnant — accounting for only 2% of total health budgets, unchanged since 2017.
High-income countries spend an average of US$ 65 per person on mental health, while low-income nations allocate as little as US$ 0.04. The shortage of trained professionals deepens the divide; globally, there are just 13 mental health workers per 100,000 people, with far fewer in developing countries.
The reports also reveal that fewer than 10% of nations have fully transitioned to community-based mental health care models. Most still rely heavily on psychiatric hospitals, where nearly half of admissions are involuntary and long-term stays are common.
However, there are positive signs of change. More countries are implementing school-based programs, suicide prevention initiatives, and telehealth services to extend access. Over 80% of nations now include mental health and psychosocial support as part of their emergency response strategies — a dramatic increase since 2020.
The WHO has issued a global call to action, urging governments to prioritize mental health through equitable financing, legal and policy reform, and sustained investment in the mental health workforce. It also advocates expanding community-based, person-centered care to make mental health support accessible to everyone.
With the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases approaching, world leaders are being reminded that the future of public health depends on a global commitment to mental well-being.
