As of 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to emphasize the critical state of mental health worldwide. Nearly one billion people are living with a mental disorder, a number that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a 25% increase in cases of anxiety and depression during its first year. Despite the prevalence of these conditions, access to adequate mental health care remains alarmingly low, especially in low-income countries where only a small percentage of those in need receive proper treatment.
WHO is advocating for a transformation in how mental health is approached globally, urging governments and communities to invest in mental health services, prioritize prevention, and integrate mental health care into broader health systems. This includes shifting towards community-based services that can provide care at the local level and address the vast treatment gaps that exist today (World Health Organization (WHO)) (UN News).
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), several major mental illnesses are significantly affecting today’s generation:
- Depression: This is one of the most common mental health disorders globally, affecting more than 280 million people. It is a leading cause of disability and can severely impact an individual’s ability to function in daily life.
- Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, are also highly prevalent. They affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and have increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder affects about 40 million people globally. It involves episodes of depression and mania and can lead to significant impairment in daily life.
- Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders: Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. It is characterized by distorted thinking, perceptions, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior.
- Eating Disorders: Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are increasingly affecting younger populations. They have one of the highest mortality rates among mental illnesses.
- Substance Use Disorders: These disorders, including addiction to alcohol and drugs, continue to be a major public health issue, often co-occurring with other mental health conditions.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Particularly affecting children and adolescents, ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, leading to challenges in academic and social settings.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is a chronic disorder where individuals experience uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that they feel compelled to repeat.
These mental health conditions are exacerbated by factors such as social stigma, lack of access to care, economic hardship, and, more recently, the global pandemic, which has led to an overall increase in mental health issues, particularly among young people (UN News) (World Health Organization (WHO).
