The World Health Organization estimates that close to one billion people have a Mental Health disorder. Despite the magnitude of mental ill health, relatively few people around the world have access to quality mental health services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fueling short- and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care; importantly, we can all play our part in increasing awareness about which preventive mental health interventions work and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do that collectively. We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need.
The World Health Organization is working with partners to launch a campaign dubbed “Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority.” A platform that will bring together people with mental health conditions, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to recognize progress on mental health.
