WHO Raises Alarm on Global Mental Health Crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its reports “World Mental Health Report,” “World Mental Health Today,” and “Mental Health Atlas 2024,” raising serious concern over a deepening global mental health crisis. The findings reveal that over 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most common, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases. Mental illness has now become the second leading cause of long-term disability globally. According to WHO’s 2025 estimates, about 14% of the global population is affected by mental disorders, with young people and women carrying the highest burden. In India, nearly 10.6% of adults live with mental health conditions, with a lifetime prevalence of 13.7%. However, treatment gaps remain alarmingly high between 70% and 92% due to a shortage of specialists and persistent social stigma.