WHO Sounds Alarm on Mental Health Crisis: A Call to Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its largest review of global mental health since the turn of the century, highlighting the urgent need to transform mental health and mental health care. **Nearly 1 billion people**, including **14% of the world's adolescents**, are living with a mental disorder, with **suicide accounting for more than 1 in 100 deaths**. The report emphasizes that mental disorders are the **leading cause of disability**, causing **1 in 6 years lived with disability**. Furthermore, people with severe mental health conditions **die on average 10 to 20 years earlier** than the general population, mostly due to preventable physical diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue, with **depression and anxiety increasing by more than 25%** in the first year alone. The report also sheds light on the **widespread stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations** against people with mental health conditions, with **20 countries still criminalizing attempted suicide**. It is the **poorest and most disadvantaged** in society who are at greatest risk of mental ill-health and are also the least likely to receive adequate services. For instance, **71% of those with psychosis worldwide do not receive mental health services**, and in low-income countries, **only 12% of people with psychosis receive mental health care**.

• The WHO's report highlights the urgent need to transform mental health and mental health care globally
• Nearly 1 billion people are living with mental disorders, with suicide accounting for more than 1 in 100 deaths
• Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability, causing 1 in 6 years lived with disability
• The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with depression and anxiety increasing by more than 25% in the first year alone
• The report calls for increased access to effective, affordable, and quality mental health care, particularly in low-income countries

The WHO's report presents a **comprehensive review of the current state of mental health globally**, highlighting the need for **increased access to effective, affordable, and quality mental health care**. The report's findings are **based on the latest evidence available**, showcasing examples of good practice and voicing people's lived experiences. However, the report also acknowledges the **significant challenges** in addressing mental health issues, including **stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations**. Furthermore, the report highlights the **disparities in mental health care** between high-income and low-income countries, with **only 12% of people with psychosis receiving mental health care in low-income countries**. The report's call to action is **supported by data**, which shows that **mental disorders are the leading cause of disability**, causing **1 in 6 years lived with disability**.

The WHO's report provides a **blueprint for governments, academics, health professionals, and civil society** to work together to transform mental health care. By **deepening the value and commitment given to mental health**, **reshaping the environments that influence mental health**, and **strengthening the systems that care for people's mental health**, we can deliver real, substantive benefits for individuals, communities, and countries. **Investment in mental health is an investment in a better life and future for all**, as emphasized by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The report's emphasis on **good mental health translating to good physical health** highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health care. Moreover, the report's call to action is **supported by the Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013-2030**, which has been signed by all 194 WHO Member States.

The WHO's report paints a **grim picture of the state of mental health globally**, with **nearly 1 billion people living with mental disorders** and **suicide accounting for more than 1 in 100 deaths**. The report highlights the **widespread stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations** against people with mental health conditions, which can **exacerbate the issue**. Moreover, the report notes that **even before the COVID-19 pandemic**, **only a small fraction of people in need had access to effective, affordable, and quality mental health care**. The **disparities in mental health care** between high-income and low-income countries are **stark**, with **only 12% of people with psychosis receiving mental health care in low-income countries**. The report's call to action may be **challenging to implement**, given the **significant resources and commitment required** to transform mental health care.

Originally reported by who.int