Mental health: WHO statistics and responses

People go through mental health problems from time to time. Here are the latest statistics of people suffering mentally according to WHO?

Mental health plays an essential role in our day-to-day life and helps us maintain a good balance between our life at work and home. People face different mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders, self-harm and trauma. Recent studies have shown the latest statistics of people suffering mentally worldwide. In addition to responses from the World Health Organisation regarding mental health.

There has been an increase in anxiety and mental health disorders rates among young people in the UK. In July 2019, MFHA England published research about the impact of mental health on young people. It says that half of the mental problems start from the age of 15 and develop above the age of 18. Women between the ages of 16 and 24 are almost three times more likely to experience mental issue same as males of the same age, which makes the younger generation more vulnerable and less active in their societies.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are more than 264 million people suffer from depression which can lead to suicide and death worldwide. Women are affected by mental health disorders more than men. In addition, WHO suggests that almost 450 million people currently have mental disorders all over the world, and one in four people are likely to be affected by these disorders at some point in their lives.

WHO’s comprehensive mental health action plan 2013-2020 has been extended to 2030 after the decision of the 72nd World Health Assembly to ensure compliance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This action plan aims to improve the leadership of mental health and social care services in the community to prevent disorders and enhance recovery. In addition, it strengthens information systems, mental health data and analysis for mental health.

The number of people who are concerned about their lifestyle is increasing dramatically, especially when there is a lack of treatments or awareness programmes that help reduce the number of anxiety rates worldwide. Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, who has been a Director-General of the World Health Organisation from 1998 to 2003 said:

“Mental illness is not a personal failure. In fact, if there is a failure, it is to be found in the way we have responded to people with mental and brain disorders. I hope WHO report will dispel long-held doubts and will mark the beginning of a new public health era in the field of mental health.”

WHO also says that there are accessible and affordable treatments for mental conditions such as antipsychotic medicines, antidepressant medicines and psychosocial support. Their report aims to reach to government bodies to make strategic decisions and choices in order to spread a positive change in accepting and going for treatment of any type of mental health disorders. However, two-thirds of people with a common mental problem never asked for assistance from a health professional due to their fear of discrimination and misunderstandings.

In addition, WHO is keen on not just providing people with the right treatment, but also promoting mental health in communities to ensure individuals have good health. For example, WHO supports children with access to early learning, educational programmes and nutritional needs. It also helps vulnerable people such as migrants and people affected by disasters with their psychological and social needs. More importantly, there are anti-discrimination laws, campaigns and programmes such as community development that help individuals feel more safe and secure.

Despite the long-term nature of some mental disorders with the proper treatment, people who suffer from mental disorders are still able to live normally and contribute positively to their communities. In addition, up to 60% of people who have depression and anxiety problems can recover by getting treatment such as antidepressant drugs and awareness sessions. Up to 70% of people with epilepsy can also get inexpensive treatment. The World Health Organisation’s message is that every country can work hard to improve mental health for its people no matter what resources they have to create a healthy environment for all residents and lowering the risk of mental illness.