Over 100 Crore People Suffer From Mental Health Disorders Globally: WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released alarming new figures showing that over 100 crore people across the globe are currently living with a mental health disorder.

Of these, more than 53% are women, underlining a major gender gap in mental health impact.

According to the World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 reports, women face a disproportionate share of mental health issues.

The data reveal that 581.5 million females live with mental disorders, compared to 513.9 million males.

Conditions such as depression and anxiety top the list for both genders, but women—especially those who are pregnant or in the postnatal period—are particularly vulnerable.

“More than 10% of pregnant women and new mothers experience depression,” the report stated, with the figure rising significantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

These mental health challenges not only impact women but also carry severe consequences for newborns and families.

Suicide and Economic Impact

The WHO also highlighted the severe consequences of untreated mental health issues.

Suicide claimed an estimated 7.27 lakh lives in 2021 alone, making it a leading cause of death among young people worldwide.

Despite global targets aiming for a one-third reduction in suicide rates by 2030, current progress indicates only a 12% decline.

Economically, the cost is staggering. Depression and anxiety alone are estimated to cost the global economy over $1 trillion (USD) annually in lost productivity, further underscoring the urgency of action.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called mental health one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.

“Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities, and economies — an investment no country can afford to neglect,” he emphasised. “Mental health care must be treated as a basic human right.”

The Mental Health Atlas 2024 further revealed that only 45% of countries have legislation in line with international human rights standards, and mental health spending remains woefully inadequate.

The global median stands at just 2% of total health budgets, unchanged since 2017, with low-income nations spending as little as $0.04 per person.

To address the crisis, the WHO has urged governments to prioritise equitable funding for mental health, strengthen legal protections, expand access to community-based services, and invest in the mental health workforce.

As mental health challenges continue to rise globally, the WHO’s findings serve as a wake-up call for world leaders to act decisively and invest in a healthier, more resilient future.

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