The overarching goal of World Mental Health Day is to raise global awareness about mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental well-being. This day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders involved in mental health to highlight their work and discuss what still needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people around the world.
Mental health is a state of psychological well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn and work effectively, and contribute to their communities. It holds both intrinsic and instrumental value and is an essential part of our overall well-being.
At any given time, a wide range of individual, family, social, and structural factors may interact to either protect or undermine mental health. Although most people are resilient, those exposed to adverse conditions—such as poverty, violence, disability, and inequality—are at significantly greater risk of developing a mental health condition.
Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems around the world continue to face severe resource shortages, and treatment gaps remain wide. When care is provided, it is often of poor quality. Individuals living with mental health conditions also frequently experience stigma, discrimination, and violations of their human rights.
Mental health conditions include mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities, and other mental states associated with significant distress, impaired functioning, or risk of self-harm.
In 2019, 970 million people worldwide were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common.
Mental health conditions can disrupt all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends, and the community. They can both stem from and contribute to difficulties at school and in the workplace.
Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in every 6 years lived with disability. People with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population. Having a mental health condition also increases the risk of suicide and human rights violations.
The economic consequences of mental illness are substantial, with productivity losses far exceeding the direct costs of care.
