adminpeople worldwide have mental health conditions and an estimated one in four people globally will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
Almost one million people die due to suicide every year, and it is the third leading cause of death among young people.
Depression is the leading cause of years lost due to disability worldwide. Mental health problems, including alcohol abuse, are among the 10 leading causes of disability in both developed and developing countries. In particular, depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030.
Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination, as well as experience high levels of physical and sexual abuse, which can occur in a range of settings, including prisons, hospitals and homes.
The economic cost of mental health problems is vast, while reasonable investment in mental health can contribute to better mental health for people. Poor mental health is both a cause and a consequence of poverty, compromised education, gender inequality, ill health, violence and other global challenges. It impedes the individual’s capacity to work productively, realise their potential and make a contribution to their community.
Including mental health as an integral part of development is relatively new to the United Nations and its development partners. There is growing recognition within the international community that mental health is one of the most neglected yet essential development issues in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This article was taken from the United Nations Mental Health and Development report.
Online Reporter