Half The World Is Mentally Ill- Study
Half The World Is Mentally Ill- Study
This world is a mad place! At least, half of it. For certain.
Nope. This isn’t my frustration speaking. Absolutely not. Rather scientifically researched findings.
A recent comprehensive global mental health research published by Lancet Psychiatry, co-led by researchers from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School has found one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. The study spread over two decades and 29 countries, of all sizes shapes, and shades, points to ‘mood disorders’ as the main category. The ever-prevalent depression and anxiety fall under mood disorders.
If the scale of this specific global societal problem isn’t staggering enough to acknowledge and address on a war footing, wonder about the quality of mental health of the saner half. Maybe the whole world is mad unlike what the study suggests.
It’s indeed surreal to think the next person we talk to probably has or had a mental illness. Or worse, you might have it. One of the spouses has it. One of the parents. One of your siblings. Your best friend probably. 1 in 2 is the distressing research statistics. It does sound incredible. However, truths are often stranger than fiction. Mental health status revelation of society is definitely one.
Intuitively we all suspect it. Let’s be honest. People often act and behave strangely. Societies all around are stressed and it’s showing. Some are horrifying. The wars, street fights, moral perversion, strikes, polarization, wealth inequality, inflation, poverty, et all tell us something is seriously amiss within our community, society, country, and the world at large. The study only empirically proved what was already well-known/suspected.
Now wait. If you thought that was worse, how about the following statics from Indian businesses: The research by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (DTTILLP) found that 80% of surveyed Indian employees reported poor mental health in 2022. Eighty percent! The associated cost to Indian businesses is estimated at Rs.14,000/- crore ($14 billion). Suddenly the world problem diminished in the face of what's in our own backyard. Staggering and compelling.
The main cause for this global-scale mental health issue is common across. STRESS. Stress is the primary factor. Of all hues. Work, finances, family, and social. Everything we do is stress-generating. Often unbearable for many. Society seems to be losing its moorings. Thanks to stress-induced mental health challenges.
Let's keep the percentages aside. Global or India-specific, the problem at hand is nothing short of staggering. What’s more concerning is the lack of urgency in effectively addressing this festering societal issue with the critical ‘call-to-action’ it demands. Mental health continues to be a topic of hush-hush discourse or worst, ignored. As per the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) study, 80% of the afflicted people continue with their life ignoring it. Societal stigma is the main reason.
I too personally went through it. Even to this day, I’ve close family members who have it. Some had it.
As per The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School study, 3 most common mental health disorders among women are:
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· Depression
· Specific phobia (a disabling anxiety that interferes with daily life)
· Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The 3 most common mental health disorders among men:
· Alcohol abuse
· Depression
· Specific phobia
Mood-specific disorders are transitory and treatable effectively. Chronic/permanent ones could be alleviated through extended treatment/therapy. Mental illness is life-debilitating if left untreated. The biggest challenge associated with the effective mitigation of mental health concerns continues to be ignorance or inaction. Primarily due to societal stigma.
Mental health issues lie menacingly dormant thanks to people's hesitancy to acknowledge the problem. Eighty percent ignore it even after diagnosis for fear of societal repercussions. Especially in developing nations like India. Most wait until the point of no return. Awareness and education do little if medical health statistics are any indication. Alarmingly, spreading too. It defies logic.
What’s the solution to this global mental health tsunami? It’s already an epidemic. Pandemic, rather.
Author Profile: Writes about life. Consults on human potential and workplace HR. A keen observer of emerging trends and technologies that enhance workplace productivity. AI/People Analytics and its effective and ethical usage at the workplace is the current preoccupation. Over 25 years of broad experience developing Leadership/Human Resources in large global organizations and start-ups. Enjoy analyzing and going beyond the hype. Admire the word ‘holism’.