The latest report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed a situation that should concern all of humanity. According to the findings, more than 1 billion people around the world today live with various mental health disorders. This figure is not only alarming but also creates a serious chain of threats to global health.
According to WHO data, in 2021 alone, 400 million people over the age of 15 suffered from disorders related to alcohol consumption. A year later, in 2022, more than 64 million people experienced mental disorders as a result of drug use. In addition, about 57 million people suffered from dementia, while more than 24 million struggled with epilepsy.
Among the most widespread conditions, anxiety and depression stand out in particular. WHO notes that they accounted for two-thirds of all mental disorders. Remarkably, these illnesses are most commonly found among people aged 20 to 29. In other words, the very generation that should be the most active and strong is facing such challenges.
The report highlights that between 2011 and 2021, the number of people with mental disorders grew faster than the global population. This shows that the situation is becoming increasingly serious on a global scale.
WHO also identifies suicide as the leading cause of death among young people at present. In 2021 alone, more than 727,000 people took their own lives. Despite existing measures, the organization estimates that by 2030, the suicide mortality rate will decrease by only 12 percent.
The large-scale prevalence of mental disorders affects not only health but also the economy. WHO estimates that 12 billion workdays are lost each year for this reason, causing nearly 1 trillion dollars in annual damage to the global economy.
Most alarming is that only 9 percent of people suffering from depression receive effective treatment, while 71 percent of those with psychosis receive no medical help at all. This deepens the problem further and creates additional difficulties in people’s lives.
Therefore, experts are urging governments and societies to give serious attention to mental health issues. This problem, if left unresolved, may have a negative impact on humanity’s development in the future.
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