An invisible crisis: 5 facts you need to know about mental health

Mental illness is one of the great invisible burdens on today’s societies. Globally, 450 million people struggle with some form of mental health problem. Despite this, many of them never receive the care they need because of stigma, discrimination or lack of available services. In emergencies such as earthquakes and armed conflicts people have often been forced from their homes, lost loved ones, and endured highly stressful events. In this context, the need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services is even greater.

This World Health Day, International Medical Corps is raising awareness about why investment in mental health care and psychosocial support are so critical in a world beset by poverty, war, natural disaster, and mass displacement. Here are five facts that show how mental health is an invisible crisis that should concern all of us.

FACT 1: Only one in five people with mental health problems receive appropriate treatment in lower income countries.

There is enormous inequality between wealthy and poor nations when it comes to mental health care. Low-income countries have on average just one psychiatrist for every two million people. The rate of psychiatrists in wealthier nations is 170 times greater. This significant lack of mental health professionals in low-income countries means that between 76% and 85% of people living with mental health problems never get the care they need. Post-disaster situations can lead to even more disparity of treatment in low-income countries.

FACT 2: In emergency settings, the rate of common mental issues can double — from 10% to 20%.

Wars, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other humanitarian catastrophes can result in a sharp increase of the prevalence of common mental health problems, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from 10% to between 15% and 20%. Those suffering from severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, prior to the disaster are highly vulnerable and are often left without needed medication and support.

FACT 3: The need for mental health support for refugees and internally displaced has never been greater.

The world is facing an unprecedented refugee crisis, with more than 65 million people — or one person in every 113 — displaced from their homes by conflict and persecution last year, according to UNHCR. Anxiety and depression are just two of the mental health problems that arise or worsen when people are forced from their homes. This makes access to mental health care and psychosocial support for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and migrants more critical than ever before.

FACT 4: The cost of the global burden of mental illness is expected to rise above $6 trillion by 2030.

In 2010, the estimated cost of the global burden of mental illness was $2.5 trillion. By 2030, it is projected to exceed $6 trillion. However, the financial resources that are required to increase access to mental health care are relatively modest. The WHO estimates that only $2 per capita could make a difference in low-income countries.

FACT 5: Psychological First Aid is a tested approach to supporting people in times of crisis.

Just as survivors often struggle with how to cope with what they have experienced, first responders often grapple with how to support those who are struggling. This is where Psychological First Aid (PFA) can be a key approach. It was developed to teach first responders and other frontline workers how to foster safe, positive, and supportive assistance for people who have endured highly stressful events. International Medical Corps helped develop the “Psychological First Aid Guide for Field Workers” to equip all responders with the knowledge and tools to support survivors’ basic emotional needs. You don’t have to be a trained mental health professional to practice PFA — learn the approach and be prepared to support someone in distress, even right in your own community.

PFA is recognized as this year’s World Mental Health Day theme. Please join us in spreading the word by sharing these facts with your friends and family!