Mental health disorders are extremely common worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- Globally:
1 in 8 people (about 970 million) live with a mental health disorder. That’s around 13% of the global population. - In the United States:
🇺🇸 About 1 in 5 adults (20%) experience a diagnosable mental illness in any given year.
That’s over 50 million people annually. - Among young people (ages 13-18):
Roughly 50% of mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
📈 Most Common Mental Health Disorders
According to global and U.S. data:
- Anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobias, etc.)
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Substance Use Disorders
Why is it so prevalent?
A combination of:
- Biological factors (genetics, brain chemistry)
- Life circumstances (trauma, stress, social isolation, poverty)
- Chronic health conditions
- Cultural and environmental influences
Modern life — with social media, economic uncertainty, global crises, and reduced community support — also contributes to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Key Takeaway
Mental health problems are very common — far more than most people realize. The good news is:
They’re treatable, manageable, and recovery is possible.
No one should feel alone in this.