The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” There are challenges embedded within this definition as more people with chronic complex co-morbidities are living longer. Mental health, as with any other aspects of health, can be affected by a range of socioeconomic factors that need to be addressed through comprehensive strategies involving access to preventions, treatments and facilitating recovery as well as raising awareness.1
Mental health statistics
Global
Mental health problems constitute the largest single source of economic health burden in the world, with an estimated global cost of US $2.5 trillion – greater than cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer, or diabetes individually.2,3
It is projected to increase to over US $6 trillion by 2030. To put this into perspective, the entire global health spending in 2009 was US $5.1 trillion.2
UK
Mental health problems are responsible for the largest burden of disease – 28% of the total burden, compared to 16% each for cancer and heart disease.4,3
One in four adults and one in ten children are likely to have a mental health problem in any year.5,3
More than half of psychiatric disorders start below the age of 15 and three-quarters below the age of 24.6
It’s estimated that only a quarter of people with a mental health problem receive ongoing treatment.5,3
Treatment gap
The treatment of mental health is, becoming recognized as one of the leading global health challenges today and incorporates a diverse range of conditions affecting all ages and populations, from autism in childhood through to depression in adults and dementia in older people.
The treatment gap, that is, the gap between the need for treatment and its provision, exists throughout the world. According to the WHO, between 76% and 85% of people with severe mental health disorders receive no treatment for their disorder in low- and middle-income countries.
The global burden of mental health and the need for mental health support services remain major health issues throughout the world. Mental illnesses are often overlooked and not prioritized by governments and other stakeholders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” There are challenges embedded within this definition as more people with chronic complex co-morbidities are living longer.
Mental health, as with any other aspects of health, can be affected by a range of socioeconomic factors that need to be addressed through comprehensive strategies involving access to preventions, treatments and facilitating recovery as well as raising awareness.
Mental health statistics
Global
Mental health problems constitute the largest single source of economic health burden in the world, with an estimated global cost of US $2.5 trillion – greater than cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer, or diabetes individually.2,3
It is projected to increase to over US $6 trillion by 2030. To put this into perspective, the entire global health spending in 2009 was US $5.1 trillion.2
UK
Mental health problems are responsible for the largest burden of disease – 28% of the total burden, compared to 16% each for cancer and heart disease.4,3
One in four adults and one in ten children are likely to have a mental health problem in any year.5,3
More than half of psychiatric disorders start below the age of 15 and three-quarters below the age of 24.6
It’s estimated that only a quarter of people with a mental health problem receive ongoing treatment.5,3
Treatment gap
The treatment of mental health is, becoming recognized as one of the leading global health challenges today and incorporates a diverse range of conditions affecting all ages and populations, from autism in childhood through to depression in adults and dementia in older people.
The treatment gap, that is, the gap between the need for treatment and its provision, exists throughout the world. According to the WHO, between 76% and 85% of people with severe mental health disorders receive no treatment for their disorder in low- and middle-income countries.1
The corresponding range for high-income countries is also significant, with between 35% and 50% receiving no treatment.1 The treatment gap varies depending upon the psychiatric conditions that are most prevalent, social attitudes towards mental health and the availability of resources for treatment.
Stigma and discrimination
Stigma and misconceptions associated with mental disorders contribute to the discrimination and human rights violations experienced by those affected. Discrimination related to mental disorders has been described as having worse consequences than the conditions themselves,7 therefore raising awareness of mental health is fundamental to providing a better life to those with mental illnesses.
Not surprisingly, the stigma related to mental health disorders and the discrimination against those suffering from them acts as a barrier to accessing mental health service. In turn, this delays people seeking care, preventing timely diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This type of discrimination can affect an individual’s education, employment, access to care, and reduces their capacity to contribute to society.
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