10/8/2021

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 as an international day to raise awareness of mental health issues globally and organize efforts in support of mental health. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2021 is “mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.”
World Health Organization (WHO) explains in detail the effects of mental health internationally. WHO is working to improve the mental health of individuals and society through the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental disorders, the protection of human rights, and the care of people affected by mental disorders. There are 10 facts noted by WHO that demonstrates the impact of mental health globally.

  1. Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders make up 10% of the global burden of disease and 30% of non-fatal diseases (WHO, 2019).
  2. Approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents globally have a mental disorder (WHO, 2019).
  3. Depression is a common mental disorder that is estimated to affect 5% of the world’s adults (WHO, 2019).
  4. About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14 (WHO, 2019).
  5. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals from the age of 15-29. Almost 800,000 people die by suicide every year; 1 person dies from suicide every 40 seconds (WHO, 2019).
  6. Approximately 1 in 9 people in settings affected by conflict have a moderate or severe mental disorder (WHO, 2019).
  7. In comparison with the general population, those suffering from severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier (WHO, 2019).
  8. Rates of mental health workers vary from less than 2 per 100,000 populations in low-income countries to more than 70 per 100,000 in high-income countries (WHO, 2019).
  9. Less than half of the 139 countries that have mental health policies and plans report having these aligned with human rights conventions (WHO, 2019).
  10. The global economy loses about $1 trillion per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety (WHO, 2019).


At ACE, we are dedicated to Social Emotional Learning which has been proven to decrease the number and lessen the severity of mental health disorders. When you know how to identify emotions, manage emotions, and communicate about your mental health, you're more likely to reach out for help. Our work is deeply rooted in mental health, so we want to make sure that everyone has the skills they need to be able to cope and handle life's stressors.

Mental Health Resources:
CDC: People Seeking Help
National Institute of Mental Health: Help for Mental Illnesses
6 Facts Parents Should Know about Mental Illness in Teens
31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health
Self-Care: 12 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself
Teachers: Protecting Your Mental Health
12 Resources to Help You Address Mental Health in Schools
The Trevor Project: For Young LGBTQ Lives
Birmingham Local Mental Health Resources

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