World Mental Health Day 2024: Mental health, once a taboo topic, has emerged as a pressing concern that transcends geographical boundaries, socioeconomic statuses, and age groups. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the weight of mental wellness can no longer be ignored. Today, on World Mental Health Day, we shed light on the staggering statistics that underscore the urgent need for collective action.
Global Mental Health Statistics
- 1.9 billion people (24% of the global population) experience a mental health disorder annually (Source: WHO, 2023)
- 970 million people (12.5% of the global population) live with a mental health disorder at any given time (Source: Lancet, 2019)
- Depression affects 322 million people (4.4% of the global population) (Source: WHO, 2019)
- Anxiety disorders affect 264 million people (3.4% of the global population) (Source: WHO, 2019)
- 46% of people with mental health issues do not receive treatment (Source: WHO, 2019)
Regional Mental Health Statistics
- Americas: 29.5% of the population experience mental health issues (Source: PAHO, 2020)
- Europe: 25.6% of the population experience mental health issues (Source: WHO/Europe, 2019)
- South-East Asia: 20.4% of the population experience mental health issues (Source: WHO/SEARO, 2019)
- Africa: 17.5% of the population experience mental health issues (Source: WHO/AFRO, 2019)
Age Group Mental Health Statistics
- 15-24 years: 22.2% experience mental health issues (Source: WHO, 2019)
- 25-59 years: 25.5% experience mental health issues (Source: WHO, 2019)
- 60+ years: 14.3% experience mental health issues (Source: WHO, 2019)
Mental Health Issues by Income Group
- Low-income countries: 13.4% of the population experience mental health issues (Source: WHO, 2019)
- Middle-income countries: 23.1% of the population experience mental health issues (Source: WHO, 2019)
- High-income countries: 29.2% of the population experience mental health issues (Source: WHO, 2019)