One of the many things that the global pandemic brought into sharp focus was our relationship to mental health – how we talk about it, how accessible support is, and how far up the priority list it is for our governments.

While mental health is becoming a more open topic globally, many countries still face cultural stigma, which affects people’s willingness to seek help and the type of care they receive. Traditionally access to mental health services often depends on a country’s wealth, infrastructure and cultural attitudes, with high-income countries tending towards having more comprehensive mental health systems, while low-income countries struggle with limited resources.

Governments worldwide are slowly recognising the importance of mental health and introducing policies to support it, though implementation and funding vary widely. Each country’s approach to mental health reflects its unique cultural, economic, and political landscape, and progress is often shaped by both global and local efforts to destigmatise mental illness and improve access to care.

Global Mental Health Overview

• Global Burden: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 1 in 8 people globally (around 970 million people) were living with a mental health disorder in 2019, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common.
• Suicide Rates: 703,000 people die by suicide every year globally. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
• Access to Care: 75% of people with mental health disorders in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment, according to WHO.

Mental health statistics vary widely between countries due to differences in healthcare systems, cultural attitudes, and data collection methods, however, some global trends and specific country data can provide insight into the state of mental health across the world. Below are some key mental health statistics from key countries and global organisations:

1. United States

• Mental Health Disorder Prevalence: According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 21% of U.S. adults experienced a mental illness in 2020. This amounts to 52.9 million people.
• Suicide Rates: The suicide rate in the U.S. was 14.5 per 100,000 people in 2020. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10–34. 8.4% of U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2020.
• Access to Care: The U.S. has a diverse system for mental health care. Services range from private therapy to government programs like Medicaid and Medicare. However, access to care can be uneven, with barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, and geographic disparities.

• Discussion: Mental health awareness has grown substantially, driven by advocacy groups and campaigns like “Mental Health America” and “National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).” There’s a growing recognition of mental health’s importance, and discussions on topics like depression, anxiety, and trauma are increasingly mainstream.

2. United Kingdom

• Mental Health Disorder Prevalence: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) estimates that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders, with approximately 20% of adults experiencing anxiety or depression in any given year.
• Suicide Rates: In 2021, the UK recorded a suicide rate of 10.5 per 100,000 people. The rate is significantly higher among men, especially in middle age.
• Access to Care: The National Health Service (NHS) offers free mental health care, though long waiting times are a significant issue. Programs like “Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)” aim to provide easier access to talking therapies, particularly for depression and anxiety.

• Discussion: The conversation about mental health in the UK has been progressing, particularly after campaigns like “Time to Change.” There is increasing openness to discussing mental health, especially among younger generations.

3. Japan

• Suicide Rates: Japan has historically had one of the highest suicide rates among developed nations, although it has been decreasing in recent years. In 2020, the rate was about 16.7 per 100,000 people.
• Mental Health Care Access: It is estimated that 20% to 25% of the population may experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, though many do not seek treatment due to stigma. Japan offers mental health services through the public health insurance system. Psychiatric care is available, but psychotherapy and counselling are not as commonly utilised.

• Discussion: Mental health is still a relatively stigmatised topic in Japan. Conditions like depression and anxiety are often seen as personal weaknesses, though younger generations are slowly becoming more open to the topic. There’s also a strong cultural emphasis on stoicism, which makes open discussions about mental health difficult.

4. India

• Prevalence of Mental Disorders: According to a 2017 Lancet study, around 197 million Indians were suffering from mental disorders, including 46 million with depression and 45 million with anxiety.
• Suicide Rates: India had a suicide rate of 12.9 per 100,000 people in 2019. It accounts for 15% of the global suicide deaths.
• Treatment Gap: The treatment gap for mental health issues in India is significant, with an estimated 80-90% of people with mental health conditions not receiving adequate treatment.

• Discussion: Mental health discussions in India are often shaped by cultural taboos. Mental illness can be associated with stigma, especially in rural and conservative areas, where discussions of mental health are often seen as shameful or ignored.

5. Brazil

• Prevalence of Mental Disorders: Around 9.3% of Brazilians experience a common mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety, according to WHO estimates.
• Suicide Rates: The suicide rate in Brazil was 6.5 per 100,000 people in 2019. However, there are significant regional differences in suicide rates, with higher rates in rural and Indigenous communities.
• Access to Care: While Brazil offers universal health care, mental health services are often underfunded, particularly in remote areas. About 50% of Brazilians with mental health conditions do not receive treatment.

• Discussion: Brazil has a mixed approach to mental health. While awareness is increasing, mental health issues, particularly related to substance abuse and depression, are prevalent in poorer communities. Public discourse is evolving, but stigma remains in some areas.

6. South Africa

• Prevalence of Mental Disorders: South Africa has high rates of mental illness, exacerbated by high levels of violence, trauma, and poverty. Approximately 16.5% of the adult population suffers from mental disorders, with depression and anxiety being the most common.
• Suicide Rates: South Africa’s suicide rate is about 23 per 100,000 people—one of the highest in Africa.
• Access to Care: Due to limited resources, about 75% of people with mental health issues in South Africa do not receive the necessary treatment.

• Discussion: Mental health issues in South Africa are compounded by high rates of poverty, violence, and trauma. Discussions about mental health are often influenced by these socio-economic factors. There’s a growing awareness of the need for mental health care, but stigma and traditional beliefs still play a role in how it’s perceived.

7. Australia

• Prevalence of Mental Disorders: 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
• Suicide Rates: In 2020, the suicide rate in Australia was 12.1 per 100,000 people, with men being three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
• Access to Care: Australia provides mental health services through Medicare, which covers visits to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. There are also government-funded helplines and counselling services. 46% of people with mental health disorders accessed treatment in 2017-18. However, access can be challenging in rural areas.

• Discussion: Australia has made significant progress in reducing the stigma around mental health through campaigns like “Beyond Blue.” Mental health discussions are mainstream, and there’s increasing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health early on.

8. Germany

• Prevalence of Mental Disorders: A large study found that about 27.8% of Germans are affected by mental health issues each year, with anxiety and depression being the most common.
• Suicide Rates: In 2020, Germany recorded a suicide rate of about 9 per 100,000 people, lower than many other European countries.
• Access to Care: Germany has a comprehensive mental health care system, and about 18% of the population used psychiatric or psychotherapeutic services in 2017.

• Discussion: Mental health is generally seen as an important aspect of well-being in Germany, and public discussions have become more open in recent years. However, some stigmas still persist, particularly among older generations.