Some facts and figures

October 10 is World Mental Health Day and I just wanted to share some more facts and figures.  Please note all this information comes courtesy of Dr Deb's Blog.

World Mental Health Day has been celebrated annually on the 10th of October since 1992. Now in it's 19th year, this year's campaign is "Investing in Mental Health."

Here are some facts about mental health:

*The burden of mental disorders gives rise to huge social and economic consequences to individuals, their families and whole communities or populations.

*Neuropsychiatric disorders cause 1/3 of years lost due to disability worldwide and account for 13% of total disease burden.

*80% of the global burden of disease due to mental disorders is found in low- and middle-income countries.

*Among all disabilities, mental disorders are associated with the highest rates of unemployment, between 70% and 90%.

*Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

*33% of countries have no mental health budget.

*1 in 4 people will be affected by a mental disorder at some point in their lives.

*Every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide.

*4 out of 5 people with mental disorders in developing countries don’t receive treatment.

*Almost 50% of all mental disorders begin before the age of 14.

And yet, it is still ridiculously swept under the carpet and not talked about.  Well guess what?  I will never be silent about it.  If I can help one person to understand the awfulness of this invisible condition than it has all been worthwhile.

If you want to know more please download this PDF File about "Investing in Mental Health".