The state of mental wellbeing
Mental disorders represent a significant and growing global health challenge. These conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorders, and substance use disorders. According to recent global estimates, more than 970 million people are currently living with mental disorders, with depression and anxiety among the most prevalent.
In addition to their psychological impact, mental disorders are closely linked to poor physical health. People living with severe mental illness face an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. These comorbidities can reduce life expectancy by as much as 15–20 years.
Global Prevalence and Burden
The global burden of mental disorders is substantial. Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 suggest that around 12% of the world’s population was living with some form of mental disorder, accounting for approximately 5% of all disability-adjusted life years.
Lifetime prevalence figures are even more striking. Research shows that more than one-third of people in many countries will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives. A 2023 study further estimated that by the age of 75, half of the global population will have developed at least one mental illness—underscoring the widespread nature of these conditions.
Disorder-Specific Prevalence
Different categories of mental disorders contribute variably to the overall burden. Anxiety disorders are among the most common, with an estimated 16.6% lifetime prevalence worldwide. Major depressive disorder affects around 6.7% of people globally over their lifetimes, with current prevalence figures suggesting that approximately 280–300 million people are living with depression today.
Gender differences are also notable. Studies consistently indicate that women are more likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders, while men are more likely to be affected by alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Looking Ahead
Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with significant social, economic, and health implications. As half of the global population may experience a mental health condition by age 75, the urgency to scale up prevention, early intervention, and integrated care has never been greater. Addressing mental health is not only about treating illness but also about fostering resilience, reducing stigma, and building healthier societies.
References
Disclaimer
The contents of this article is the intellectual property of Alula Health and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Alula. The information provided in the articles is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases or other medical conditions. Although some content may be generated by AI (ChatGPT (Open AI), all articles are critically reviewed and approved by skilled human editors to ensure its accuracy, authenticity and validity.
In addition to their psychological impact, mental disorders are closely linked to poor physical health. People living with severe mental illness face an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. These comorbidities can reduce life expectancy by as much as 15–20 years.
Global Prevalence and Burden
The global burden of mental disorders is substantial. Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 suggest that around 12% of the world’s population was living with some form of mental disorder, accounting for approximately 5% of all disability-adjusted life years.
Lifetime prevalence figures are even more striking. Research shows that more than one-third of people in many countries will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives. A 2023 study further estimated that by the age of 75, half of the global population will have developed at least one mental illness—underscoring the widespread nature of these conditions.
Disorder-Specific Prevalence
Different categories of mental disorders contribute variably to the overall burden. Anxiety disorders are among the most common, with an estimated 16.6% lifetime prevalence worldwide. Major depressive disorder affects around 6.7% of people globally over their lifetimes, with current prevalence figures suggesting that approximately 280–300 million people are living with depression today.
Gender differences are also notable. Studies consistently indicate that women are more likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders, while men are more likely to be affected by alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Looking Ahead
Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with significant social, economic, and health implications. As half of the global population may experience a mental health condition by age 75, the urgency to scale up prevention, early intervention, and integrated care has never been greater. Addressing mental health is not only about treating illness but also about fostering resilience, reducing stigma, and building healthier societies.
References
- Axios. (2023) Half of world population will have mental illness by 75, study says.https://www.axios.com-2023-08-05-mental-health-world-population-age-75
- BMC Psychiatry. (2025) Global prevalence and burden of mental disorders: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com-articles-10.1186-s12888-025-06932-y
- Self. (2017) WHO: Depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. https://www.self.com-story-who-depression-disability
- Time. (2016) Why women are more prone to anxiety than men. https://time.com-4360394-women-prone-anxiety
- Wikipedia. (2024a) Depression (mood). https://en.wikipedia.org-wiki-Depression_%28mood%29
- Wikipedia. (2024b) Mental disorder. https://en.wikipedia.org-wiki-Mental_disorder
- Wikipedia. (2024c) Prevalence of mental disorders. https://en.wikipedia.org-wiki-Prevalence_of_mental_disorders
Disclaimer
The contents of this article is the intellectual property of Alula Health and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Alula. The information provided in the articles is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases or other medical conditions. Although some content may be generated by AI (ChatGPT (Open AI), all articles are critically reviewed and approved by skilled human editors to ensure its accuracy, authenticity and validity.