Mental Illness and Treatment

Mental illness is not rare or unusual—it is part of everyday life for millions of people. In the United States, about 23.4% of adults—more than 1 in 5—experienced a mental illness in 2024. Globally, new World Health Organization data show that over 1 billion people are living with a mental health condition.

Young people are especially affected. Around 1 in 6 youth have a mental health condition, yet only about half receive treatment. In recent years, more high school students report serious thoughts of suicide, underscoring an urgent need for prevention and care.

These conditions carry a heavy human and economic cost. Anxiety and depression alone are estimated to cost the global economy about US$1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

Mental health conditions range from mild, short‑term problems to severe, long‑lasting disorders. Some of the most common include anxiety disorders and depressive disorders, which affect people of all ages and are more frequent in women.

Substance use disorders and behavioral addictions, like alcohol or drug dependence and gambling disorder, are also major contributors to illness and disability. Serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are less common but can cause profound changes in thinking, mood, and daily functioning.

Modern mental health care is far more effective than many people think. In a recent U.S. poll, most adults agreed that addictions and other mental health conditions can be treated and that treatments are better than in the past. Core evidence‑based options include psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), medications (like antidepressants or mood stabilizers), and, when needed, more intensive services.

Combining approaches often works best—for example, therapy plus medication, along with regular sleep, physical activity, and social support. Many countries are also working to integrate mental health into primary care so people can get help in familiar settings like family clinics.

Despite progress, access to care is still deeply unequal. Globally, governments spend a median of only 2% of health budgets on mental health, and low‑income countries may have just a handful of mental health workers per 100,000 people. Rural, low‑income, and minority communities are particularly affected by shortages and cost barriers.

Stigma remains a major obstacle, discouraging people from seeking help. Yet attitudes are slowly improving: more than one in four U.S. adults spoke with a mental health professional in the past year, and over half believe stigma is lower than a decade ago. This shift is encouraging more open conversations and earlier support.

If you’re struggling with mood, anxiety, sleep, substance use, or thoughts of self‑harm that last more than a couple of weeks or interfere with daily life, reaching out is important. Primary care doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, school counselors, and community clinics can all be entry points to care.

For friends and family, listening without judgment, encouraging professional help, and checking in regularly can be powerful forms of support. In any situation involving risk of self‑harm or suicide, emergency services or crisis hotlines should be contacted immediately—early action can save lives.