1. 20% of the children and adolescents around the world have mental health disorders.
2. Mental illness and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide.
3. Approximately 800,000 people commit suicide each year and it is the leading cause of death in 15-29 year olds.
4. Rates of mental disorders tend to double after emergencies.
5. Mental disorders increase the risk of getting ill from other diseases such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
6. Stigma and discrimination against patients and families prevent people from seeking mental health care. Only 50% of people who need treatment receive it.
7. Human rights violations of people with mental and psychosocial disability are routinely reported around the world, but few countries have the legal framework that protect the rights of people who suffer from them.
8. Globally, there is a massive shortage of skilled mental health providers. Low-income countries have 0.05 psychiatrists for every 100,000 people. In high income countries, that rate is 170 time greater.
9. Financial resources to increase services are relatively modest at $2/capita/yr in low-income countries and $3 to $4 in middle-income countries.
*All of the above statistics were provided by The World Health Organization.
