The WHO Underscores Urgent Need for Action on Mental Health
Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) presented the most in-depth report on the worlds mental health. In this report, it clearly states one very important factor – an urgent need for action on mental health.
Not only for women. Not only for men. Not only for Children. For everybody. Almost an eight (970 million) of the world’s population suffers from a mental health disorder.
And though there have been some improvements, we’re still far away from meeting the targets in the WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013 – 2030.
The Mental Health Crisis
As of 2019, nearly half a billion people suffer from a mental health disorder, with 14% of these people being adolescents.
Alongside this, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability. More that diabetes, more than cancer, and much more than injuries caused in the workplace.
People with mental health also die on average 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population, with suicide accounting for more than 1 in 100 deaths, 58% of which were before the age of 50.
And mental health disorders are only growing. During Covid-19, we had a huge spike. Depression and anxiety increased by more than 25%.
The Main Challenge is Access…
One of the main challenges in mental health is care access. This is in all countries, also. Both low- and high-income countries struggle with on crucial resource – access.
For depression, across the world, only one-third of people receive formal care. For psychosis, 71% of those suffering from this, again, across the world, don’t receive treatment.
Clearly, access is a problem. Not only that, but the type of access that’s available. Not everybody wants to seek formal help, and a solution needs to be provided that’s both affordable, scalable, and private.
The Effect on Our Workplaces
According to Deloitte, one in six employees experience mental health problems. Stress is also the culprit for nearly half of the working days lost in Britain.
Support measures need to be in place for employees. However, very few companies offer any kind of support.
But they should, even from a business standpoint. In 2022 report from Deloitte, they uncovered that for every £1 spent on workplace mental health initiatives, businesses get £5.30 in return.
Yes, you read that right. That’s £4.30 return. That’s better than all short-term advertising campaigns by far.
Let’s Make a Difference Together
At OurPulse, we’ve created a mental health solution that’s affordable, scalable, and impactful. A solution that all businesses can use efficiently.
With our mental health support services, we can build, implement, and provide tools to create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
So, let’s make a difference together. Let’s make mental health support services available to everyone in a way that matters. A way that makes a real impact.