Suicide accounts for one in every 100 deaths globally. According to new data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 727,000 people across all ages lost their lives to suicide in 2021, with one suicide death happening in over 20 suicide attempts. The WHO further says that more than a billion people are living with mental health disorders.
The new findings were published in two reports – ‘World Mental Health Today’ and ‘Mental Health Atlas 2024.’ These highlight some progress and gaps in addressing mental health conditions worldwide. Over the next few weeks, WHO will also be releasing country profiles as part of ‘Mental Health Atlas 2024,’ the first after Covid and factors in after-effects of the pandemic.
Can suicides be reduced by 2030?
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people across all countries and socio-economic contexts. Yet, progress in reducing suicide mortality is too low to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of a one-third reduction in suicide rates by 2030. Given current status, only a 12 per cent reduction will be achieved by that deadline, according to estimates in the report.
“Mental health is coming out of the shadows. Affected young people are also talking about it. Community-based approaches and emergency preparedness are gaining traction. But this momentum must be matched by sustained financing, strong leadership and effective implementation,” says Dévora Kestel, Director, Department of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health (ad interim), WHO, told reporters at a virtual media conference.
Dr Pratima Murthy, Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, told The Indian Express that world over there has been an increase in suicides, particularly among younger persons. “Mental disorders are a consequence of interaction of personal (familial risk), vulnerable temperament and environmental risks such as early exposure to trauma, stressful environment, life events, isolation, lack of support, stigma, poor awareness of help, lack of availability and access to services. A combination of factors increases the risk,” she said.
In India, second mental health survey under way
As per a previous WHO report published in 2022, the suicide incidence rate in India per lakh was 10.6 (male 14.3, female 7.2). India’s National Mental Health Survey (2015–2016) had showed that 150 million people in India needed intervention for mental disorders. However, less than 30 million are seeking care at present.
One in 20 people suffers from depression, out of which 39 per cent suffer from severe depression. Three out of four persons with severe mental disorders have disabilities affecting their work, family, education and other aspects of life. Of the population over 18 years, 0.9 per cent is at high risk of suicide. “The NMHS-1 was conducted in 12 states. The NMHS 2 will cover all 36 states/UTs. Apart from generating burden estimates of mental health problems in children, adolescents, vulnerable populations, migrants, the survey will also assess the care burden on families. Other criteria will also be assessed, including impact of climate change on mental health,” Dr Murthy added.
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In-patient care continues to rely heavily on psychiatric hospitals, with nearly half of admissions occurring involuntarily and over 20 per cent lasting longer than a year. Integration of mental health into primary care is advancing, with 71 per cent of countries meeting at least three of five WHO criteria.
However, data gaps remain; only 22 countries provided sufficient data to estimate service coverage for psychosis. In low-income countries, fewer than 10 per cent of affected individuals receive care, compared to over 50 per cent in higher-income nations—highlighting an urgent need to expand access and strengthen service delivery, according to the report.
Encouragingly, most countries report having functional mental health promotion initiatives such as early childhood development, school-based mental health and suicide prevention programmes. Over 80 per cent of countries now offer mental health and psychosocial support as part of emergency responses, up from 39 per cent in 2020. Outpatient mental health services and telehealth are becoming more available, though access remains uneven. Underfunding, workforce shortages and service gaps persist, especially in low-resource settings.
