One in 100 Deaths by Suicide: WHO Report on Global Mental Health

WHO Report on Mental Health Latest News

• According to new WHO data, suicide caused one in every 100 deaths worldwide in 2021, claiming 727,000 lives. For every death, over 20 attempts occurred. 
• The reports — World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 — also reveal that more than a billion people live with mental health disorders. 
• Country-wise profiles will be released soon as part of the updated Mental Health Atlas, factoring in the pandemic’s impact.

Top Mental Health Disorders: WHO Insights

• Mental health is an integral part of health; it is more than the absence of mental illnesses. 
• It is the foundation for well-being and effective functioning of individuals. It includes mental well-being, prevention of mental disorders, treatment and rehabilitation.
• Most Common Disorders – Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most prevalent, together making up over two-thirds of all mental health conditions in 2021.
• Rising Global Prevalence – Between 2011 and 2021, mental disorders grew faster than population growth, raising the global age-standardized prevalence to 13.6%, a 0.9% increase in a decade.

Age-Related Trends

• Young Adults (20–29 years): Largest increase in prevalence (+1.8%) since 2011.
• Children (<10 years): Depressive disorders are rare.
• Middle-Aged Adults (40–69 years): Depressive disorders surpass anxiety, peaking between 50–69 years.

Gender Differences

• Males: More prone to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual developmental disorders.
• Females: More affected by anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

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Prospects for Reducing Suicide Rates by 2030

• Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people worldwide, but progress in reducing rates is insufficient to meet the UN’s target of a one-third reduction by 2030. 
• Current trends indicate only a 12% reduction will be achieved.
• Experts stress that sustained financing, strong leadership, and effective execution of prevention programs are crucial. 
• Suicide is driven by multiple factors — including family history, vulnerable temperament, early trauma, stressful environments, isolation, stigma, and lack of accessible mental health services. 
• Tackling these risks holistically is essential for meaningful progress.

Burden of Mental Health in India

• WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100 000 population is 21.1.
• Economic loss: USD 1.03 trillion projected between 2012–2030 due to mental health conditions.

Policy and Legal Framework

• National Mental Health Policy, 2014: Advocates a participatory and rights-based approach.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Provides legal protections and aligns with UNCRPD principles.

Government Initiatives

• National Mental Health Programme and Health and Wellness Centres provide care at the primary health level.
• National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) A 24/7 national toll-free helpline providing accessible, free mental health support in various Indian languages. 
• The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) – A component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) providing decentralized, community-based mental health services. 
• Deaddiction centres and rehabilitation services further support treatment and recovery.

Challenges of Broad-Basing Mental Health Care in India

• Limited Infrastructure and Custodial Approach
  • India’s mental health institutions alone are insufficient. 
  • Experts stress the need for psychiatric beds in general hospitals and tertiary care centres staffed with multidisciplinary teams. 
  • The focus must shift from custodial to therapeutic models, with larger hospitals acting as academic training hubs.
• Poor Funding and Associated Conditions
  • Psychiatric hospitals often face underfunding, leading to poor living conditions, neglect, and abuse.
• Scarcity of Trained Professionals
  • There is a severe shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, nurses, and social workers. 
  • Interior regions lack access to professionals and essential medicines, leaving families unable to afford long-distance travel for treatment.
• Accessibility and Economic Burden
  • Even when families want to seek help, economic hardships—loss of wages and travel costs—become barriers. 
  • With 30 million Indians suffering from severe mental illnesses, the financial strain is immense as patients often become non-earning dependents.
• Need for a Strong Chain of Care
  • Mental healthcare requires continuity of treatment, reliable availability of medicines, and systemic support. 
  • Building a robust chain of care across rural and urban India is essential for effective mental health management.

Source: IE | WHO | PAHO