The recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed an urgent need to address mental health disorders, which currently affect more than one billion people worldwide. These conditions, ranging from anxiety to depression, not only negatively impact individual well-being but also pose an economic challenge for nations.
Despite efforts made by various countries to improve their mental health policies, the WHO emphasizes the importance of increasing investment and expanding available services. Mental disorders are recognized as the second leading cause of global disability, resulting in a rise in healthy years of life lost and significant healthcare costs, which translates into a burden for families and local economies. It is estimated that both depression and anxiety cost the global economy around one trillion dollars annually.
These findings emerge from two key reports that guide the mental health policies of countries and serve to establish an international dialogue at the upcoming meeting on non-communicable diseases and mental health promotion, which will take place in September.
According to one of the reports, while there are variations in the prevalence of mental disorders by gender, women are disproportionately affected. Furthermore, suicide remains a critical issue, with approximately 727,000 recorded deaths in 2021, making it one of the leading causes of mortality among young people in various socioeconomic contexts.
Although some countries have made progress in their mental health policies since 2020, only a small number have adopted laws that align with human rights standards. In fact, only 45% of nations report that their legislation meets international standards. Government investment in mental health remains minimal, representing just 2% of the total health budget, unchanged since 2017. There are significant disparities in spending, with high-income countries spending approximately $65 per person compared to just $0.04 in low-income nations.
The report also highlights that less than 10% of countries have completed the transition to community care models, maintaining considerable dependence on psychiatric hospitals. Nearly 50% of hospital admissions occur without the patient’s consent, and more than 20% of these stays can last over a year. However, there are encouraging signs that mental health is being increasingly integrated into primary care, with over 80% of countries offering psychosocial support in emergency situations, a notable increase from 39% in 2020. Additionally, the availability of telemedicine services has grown, although access remains uneven in many regions. Most countries have also begun implementing initiatives aimed at more effectively promoting mental health.
via: MiMub in Spanish
