Nearly 1.2 Billion People Worldwide are Living With Mental Health Disorders
A major new study published in The Lancet found that nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide were living with a mental disorder in 2023, representing a 95.5% increase since 1990.
- Anxiety and depression were the most common mental health conditions and showed the largest increases:
- Anxiety increased by 158% since 1990.
- Depression increased by 131% since 1990.
- All 12 mental disorders examined in the study increased over the period.
- Most disorders were more common in females, while autism, ADHD, conduct disorders, personality disorders, and some intellectual disabilities were more common in males.
- Mental disorders are becoming a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Impact of COVID-19
- Mental health problems were already rising before the pandemic.
- COVID-19 appears to have worsened trends:
- Depression rates rose during the pandemic and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
- Anxiety rates peaked during the pandemic and remained elevated through 2023.
Young People Are Increasingly Affected
- For the first time in the history of the Global Burden of Disease study, the highest burden of mental disorders was found among 15- to 19-year-olds rather than middle-aged adults.
- Experts consider this especially concerning because adolescence is a critical period for brain, social, and emotional development.
Why Rates May Be Rising
- Better awareness and diagnosis of mental health conditions.
- Reduced stigma, making more people willing to seek help.
- Population growth and longer lifespans.
- Economic instability and financial stress.
- Trauma, conflict, and war.
- Limited access to affordable healthcare.
- Social isolation and declining social connection.
- Discrimination, body image pressures, food insecurity, and environmental stressors.
Main Concern
The study warns that while mental health problems are increasing rapidly, mental health services have not expanded at the same pace, leaving many people without adequate support. Mental disorders are becoming more common worldwide—especially among young people—and current mental health systems are struggling to keep up. Researchers argue that improving access to mental healthcare and addressing broader social and economic stressors should be a global priority.
Read more here!
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/21/health/mental-disorder-rate-worldwide-study-wellness
Resource of the Month: THE DOOR
The Door: Empowering New York City Youth
● What is The Door?
○ A nonprofit organization that supports young people ages 12–24.
○ Founded in 1972 to help youth reach their full potential through free programs
and services.
● What services does it provide?
○ Healthcare and mental health counseling
○ Educational support and career preparation
○ Legal services and housing assistance
○ Arts, recreation, and nutritious meals
○ Specialized support for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth, including
emergency assistance, case management, and pathways to stable housing
● Where is it located?
○ Main youth center: 555 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013 (SoHo, Manhattan)
○ Additional sites include a youth center in the South Bronx and supportive housing
programs on the Lower East Side.
● Why is it important?
○ Serves approximately 11,000 young people each year.
○ Provides a safe, welcoming environment where youth can access multiple
resources in one place.
○ Helps young people succeed in school, find employment opportunities,
CONTACT THE DOOR
212-941-9090
555 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013