WHO Reports on Global Mental Health Crisis
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released new data in 2024 denoting the global mental health crisis. Suicide remains a major cause of death worldwide. Mental health disorders are rising faster than the population growth. The reports ‘World Mental Health Today’ and ‘Mental Health Atlas 2024’ provide updated insights post-Covid-19 pandemic.
Suicide Statistics and Trends
In 2021, approximately 727,000 people died by suicide globally. One suicide death occurs for every 20 suicide attempts. Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people across all countries. Despite efforts, the target of reducing suicide rates by one-third by 2030 under the UN Sustainable Development Goals is unlikely. Current trends predict only a 12 per cent reduction by 2030.
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders
Over one billion people live with mental health disorders worldwide. Anxiety and depressive disorders constitute over two-thirds of these conditions. Between 2011 and 2021, the age-standardised prevalence of mental disorders rose to 13.6 per cent, up 0.9 per cent from a decade earlier. Young adults aged 20-29 years show the largest increase in prevalence. Males more commonly experience ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Females more frequently suffer from anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Age and Gender Patterns in Mental Health
Anxiety disorders typically begin earlier in life, often before age ten. Depressive disorders are rare in childhood but become more common after age 40. Depression peaks between the ages of 50 and 69. Gender differences are clear, with males and females showing different patterns of mental health issues.
Challenges in Mental Health Care Delivery
Mental health care in many countries, including India, faces major challenges. There are insufficient psychiatric beds outside specialised institutions. The care model needs to shift from custodial to therapeutic approaches. Psychiatric hospitals often suffer from poor conditions and stigma. Funding for mental health services remains inadequate. There is a severe shortage of trained mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers, especially in rural areas.
Barriers to Access and Continuity of Care
Access to mental health care is limited by geographic and economic factors. Many patients and families cannot afford travel or treatment costs. Continuity of care and availability of medicines are often disrupted. Severe mental illness frequently leads to loss of income, worsening financial hardship, and social exclusion.
Strategies for Improvement
Experts call for increased funding and leadership to implement mental health programmes effectively. Integrating psychiatric services into general hospitals and tertiary care centres is vital. Training multidisciplinary teams can improve care quality. Expanding community-based care and reducing stigma are essential steps. Establishing a seamless chain of care will help manage mental health conditions better.
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