The number of people living with mental health conditions has nearly doubled over the past 30 years, driven mainly by sharp rises in anxiety and depression worldwide, according to a new study.
The analysis, published in the medical journal The Lancet as part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, estimates that around 1.2 billion people were living with a mental health condition in 2023.
That marks a 95% increase since 1990. The rise was even steeper for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, which increased by 131% and 158% respectively, making them the world’s two most common mental health conditions.
“Responding to the mental health needs of our global population, especially those most vulnerable, is an obligation, not a choice,” the authors wrote.
The report describes mental disorders as widespread illnesses that cause major human suffering and long-term health loss. Beyond the personal toll, the authors said mental illness also affects families, workplaces, and governments through reduced productivity, lower workforce participation, and growing pressure on welfare and healthcare systems.
