This report draws from WHO’s Global Health Estimates and Mental Health Atlas data to provide a snapshot of the mental health situation globally. It reveals troubling trends such as growing prevalence, widening treatment gaps, and inadequate rights protections while calling for urgent scaling-up of services and support systems. The document also presents an updated epidemiological picture and policy guidance timed to align with WMHD 25. This document is a key advocacy tool to spotlight the global mental health crisis, providing data-driven insights to mobilize policy change, funding, and integrated responses for World Mental Health Day 2025 and beyond.
Key Themes:
Global Burden of Disease:
Mental health conditions account for 14% of all YLDs globally.
Depression and anxiety are the leading contributors.
Youth and women disproportionately affected.
Treatment Gaps and Access Inequity:
71% of people with psychosis are not receiving care.
Gaps are even wider in low-income countries.
Only a minority receive community-based or rights-respecting care.
Investment & Financing:
Mental health receives just 2% of national health budgets on average.
Global development assistance for mental health is only 0.2% of total health aid.
Human Rights & Stigma:
Millions still face coercive practices, institutionalization, and stigma.
The report calls for full implementation of WHO’s human rights and person-centered care standards.
Policy Recommendations:
Scale-up community-based and integrated care
Prioritize early intervention in schools and workplaces
Close financing and workforce gaps
Reform outdated mental health legislation
