27 Mental Illness & Mental Health Disorder Statistics

June 5, 2024

Mental health disorder statistics show millions suffer from mental illness worldwide, costing $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.

Mental illness is a major public health concern worldwide. It affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental illness is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Top 10 Mental Health Statistics from Around the World

Approximately 1 in 4 people globally will experience a mental illness at some point in their life.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 264 million people.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29.
Anxiety disorders affect over 284 million people worldwide.
Substance abuse disorders affect more than 27 million people worldwide.
50% of mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
Mental illness disproportionately affects those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Mental illness is linked to an increased risk of physical health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
In low- and middle-income countries, less than 10% of individuals with mental illness receive treatment.
Mental health services receive less than 2% of the total health budget in many countries.

Prevalence of Mental Illness Worldwide

In Europe, around 38% of the population experiences mental illness each year (European Commission, 2018).
In the United States, approximately 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021).
In Canada, an estimated 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness in any given year (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2021).
In Australia, around 1 in 5 people experience mental illness each year (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).
In India, the prevalence of mental illness is around 10-15% of the population (Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020).
In China, the prevalence of mental illness is estimated to be around 17% of the population (Chinese Journal of Psychiatry, 2019).
In Brazil, approximately 29% of the population experiences some form of mental illness each year (World Health Organization, 2019).
In Japan, around 20% of the population experiences mental illness each year (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, 2020).
In South Africa, an estimated 30% of adults will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime (South African Depression and Anxiety Group, 2021).
In Mexico, approximately 16% of the population suffers from some type of mental disorder (National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, 2018).
In low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of mental illness is similar to that in high-income countries, but access to care is significantly lower (WHO, 2020).

Please note that these statistics only scratch the surface of the global mental health crisis. Mental illnesses are often underreported and undertreated around the world, leading to a significant burden on individuals, families, and societies.

Prevalence of Mental Illness among Specific Age Groups

Children and adolescents: 1 in 6 children aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year in the United States (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021).
Young adults: In the United States, mental illness is the second leading cause of disability among young adults aged 15-24 (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021).
Middle-aged adults: In Australia, around 20% of people aged between 45 and 54 years old have experienced a common mental disorder in the past year (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).
Older adults: In Europe, depression affects around 7% of older adults aged over 65 years old (European Commission,2018).

Prevalence of Mental Illness among Specific Age Groups

Women are more likely than men to experience common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety (World Health Organization, 2021).
In the United States, women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020).
Men are more likely than women to die by suicide worldwide, with rates being highest in middle-aged men (World Health Organization, 2019).
In India, studies show that women have a higher prevalence of mental illness compared to men (Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020).
In Australia, males are more likely to die by suicide than females, with the rate being three times higher for males than females (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).

Burden of Disease from Each Category of Mental Illness

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Mental illness can be categorized into several different types, each with its own unique set of symptoms and treatment options. Here are some statistics on the global burden of disease from each category of mental illness:

Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders account for approximately 3.8% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2017).
Mood disorders: Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, account for 4.2% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2017).
Schizophrenia and other psychoses: Schizophrenia and other psychoses account for 1.1% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2017).
Substance use disorders: Substance use disorders account for approximately 1.5% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2017).
Eating disorders: Eating disorders account for approximately 0.06% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2017).
Personality disorders: Personality disorders account for approximately 0.3% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2017).

It's important to note that these statistics only represent a portion of the total burden that mental illness places on individuals and society as a whole. Mental illness can also lead to significant economic costs due to lost productivity and increased healthcare utilization.

Depression and Anxiety Disorder Statistics

Depression and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses worldwide. Here are some statistics about depression and anxiety disorders:

More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression (World Health Organization, 2021).
In the United States, approximately 17.3 million adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2017 (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020).
Women are more likely than men to experience depression (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020).
Anxiety disorders affect over 284 million people worldwide (World Health Organization, 2021).
In the United States, anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million adults aged 18 or older every year (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, n.d.).
Women are twice as likely as men to experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, n.d.).

Rates of Mental Illness Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health worldwide. The uncertainty, fear, and isolation caused by the pandemic have led to an increase in mental health problems. Here are some statistics about the rates of mental illness due to COVID-19:

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In the United States, 4 in 10 adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021).
In Canada, 40% of Canadians have reported worsening mental health since the start of the pandemic (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2021).
In the United Kingdom, more than half of adults (60%) have said that their mental health has been negatively affected by the pandemic (Office for National Statistics, 2020).
In India, a study found that more than one-third of participants reported experiencing psychological distress during the pandemic (Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020).
In China, a survey found that 42.6% of respondents experienced anxiety symptoms during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak (General Psychiatry, 2020).

Mental Illness Impact on the Economy

Mental illness is estimated to cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity (World Economic Forum, 2018).
In the United States, mental illness costs the economy over $200 billion per year in lost earnings and healthcare expenses (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021).
In Canada, mental illness costs the economy approximately $51 billion per year in lost productivity and healthcare expenses (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2021).
In Europe, mental disorders are estimated to cost the economy more than 4% of GDP (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2018).
In Australia, mental illness costs the economy approximately $60 billion per year in lost productivity and healthcare expenses (Australian Government Productivity Commission, 2020).
Globally, depression and anxiety disorders alone cost the economy over $1 trillion per year in lost productivity (World Health Organization, 2021).

Prevalence of Stigma and Discrimination Surrounding Mental Illness

Stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness are still prevalent worldwide, leading to a lack of understanding and support for those affected.
In a survey of 27 countries, 40% of respondents reported that they would be unwilling to work with someone with a mental illness (World Health Organization, 2019).
In the United Kingdom, nearly 9 in 10 people living with a mental health problem report experiencing stigma and discrimination (Time to Change, n.d.).
In Australia, only half of people with mental health problems seek treatment due to fear of stigma and discrimination (Beyond Blue, 2021).
In the United States, a study found that more than two-thirds of people with mental illness experience stigma from family members (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2018).
Globally, stigma surrounding mental illness leads to underfunding of mental health services and inadequate access to care for those who need it most (World Health Organization, 2021).

Treatment and Services for Mental Illnes

In high-income countries, approximately 50% of individuals with mental illness receive treatment, compared to less than 10% in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organization, 2020).
In many countries, mental health services receive less than 2% of the total health budget, despite the significant burden of mental illness (World Health Organization, 2020).
Globally, there is a shortage of mental health professionals, with an estimated gap of 1.18 million providers needed to meet the demand for care (World Health Organization, 2017).
In the United States, over 60% of counties do not have a single practicing psychiatrist (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021).
In Australia, it can take up to a year to access specialist mental health care in some areas (Australian Government Productivity Commission, 2020).
Teletherapy and other digital mental health services have become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, but access to these services is still limited in many areas. In low- and middle-income countries, only 1 in 27 people have access to digital mental health services (World Health Organization, 2020).

Conclusion

Mental illness is a global crisis that affects millions of people every year. The prevalence of mental illness is staggering, and it impacts individuals of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Despite the significant burden that mental illness places on individuals and society as a whole, access to care remains limited in many parts of the world.

Stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness also prevent many people from seeking the help they need. However, there is hope for the future. With increased awareness and investment in mental health services, we can work towards a world where everyone has access to quality care for their mental health needs. It's time to prioritize mental health and work towards a more compassionate and supportive society for all.

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