The Importance of Mental Health in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Mental illness can occur at any time in one’s life, and it comes in many forms. According to statistics from MentalHealth.gov, one in five U.S. adults live with some sort of mental illness (52.9 million in 2020). 

Mental health concerns can come with behavioral symptoms, such as depression or substance use; it can also include cognitive symptoms, such as memory loss or confusion, or physical symptoms such as pain or sexual problems, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Read below to learn more about some of the most common mental illnesses in the United States today.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds

Suicide is considered an important public health issue due to its impact on families, communities and countries. It has been ranked as one of the leading causes of death in many countries. Every 40 seconds someone somewhere dies by suicide; an estimated 800,000 people die each year by suicide. 

Although it accounts for only 1 percent (1%) of all deaths globally, homicide is more than 20 times more frequent. In 2016, there were over 5 million intentional homicides worldwide. In 2015, suicide resulted in 828,000 deaths or a global mortality rate of 16 per 100 000 population aged 15–29 years compared with 5 per 100 000 among persons aged 30–44 years and 11 per 100 000 among those aged 45–59 years. The highest rates were observed among persons aged 70–74 years (24 per 100 000) followed by those aged 75–79 years (23 per 100 000). Globally males are more likely to commit suicide than females at a ratio of 3:2; however, in some regions such as Asia-Pacific region where China accounted for half of all suicides worldwide that year, female rates are higher than male ones at a ratio of 2:1.

45% of people who die from suicide had no known mental health condition

The rate of suicide is so high among middle-aged Americans that it has become an epidemic. More than half (51.8 percent) of all deaths from suicide in 2016 were ages 45 to 64, and men made up 77.4 percent of these deaths, according to data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Overall, suicides are up 33 percent since 1999. In addition, about 45 percent of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition at time of death, according to recent analysis by CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). This underscores that more can be done by communities, health systems and government agencies alike to prevent suicides while ensuring effective care is available for those who need it most.

Depression affects more than 300 million people around the world

Each year, more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Depressive disorders are usually treated with medications and therapy but can be severe enough to interfere with a person's ability to function at work, school or in relationships with others. 

When symptoms are severe and last longer than two weeks, it may be clinical depression (also known as major depressive disorder). Symptoms vary, but many people feel sad, hopeless or anxious most of the time. Many also experience changes in appetite or sleep habits; they may withdraw from friends and family or have difficulty concentrating on tasks. 

About one third of those who have a depressive disorder attempt suicide. Worldwide, approximately 1 million die by suicide each year. In high-income countries, such as Canada and European countries, men commit suicide more often than women do. In low-income countries, such as India and China, women are more likely to die by suicide than men do. Depression is treatable: The good news is that depression is treatable—and often very effectively so—with medication and/or psychotherapy or other psychological therapies. Depression should never be ignored because it can get worse over time if left untreated.

Most suicides have multiple risk factors

You can’t attribute suicide to just one event or stressor, though it may be tempting to do so. But consider that most people who complete suicide have a combination of risk factors—and many don’t even know they have those risk factors until after they attempt or complete suicide. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk for suicide. 

To prevent a loved one from committing suicide: Encourage them to seek treatment right away; Stay in close contact with them; Watch for changes in behavior, thinking and moods. If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm, call 911 immediately. Do not leave that person alone until help arrives. If you think someone is at risk of harming others, call 911 immediately. 

Then take steps to get help for yourself or others. Sources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Learn more about depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions by visiting www.nimh.nih/health . Chapter 5: Pronunciation Guide

An estimated 25 percent of all people living with a severe mental disorder will attempt suicide

About 90 percent will have suicidal thoughts. People with mental disorders are over 10 times more likely to die from suicide than people who do not have mental illness. Suicide is one of three leading causes of death among individuals between 15 and 29 years old (with accidents being second and homicide being third).

 Among those age 15 to 24 years, there are an estimated 6-12 suicides per 100,000 persons per year in developing countries (or 12-24 per 100,000 persons). Individuals with serious mental disorders living in poverty have a significantly higher risk of dying from suicide: those living on less than $1.25 a day are eight times more likely to die from suicide than those on $4 a day or greater.

Teenagers experiencing depression are 12 times more likely to consider attempting suicide than those who are not suffering from depression

The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that teenagers with major depression are 12 times more likely to consider attempting suicide than those who are not suffering from depression. The statistics get worse for adolescents with bipolar disorder: Researchers at Columbia University determined that teens with bipolar disorder have a 100-fold greater risk for suicidal thinking and behavior than others their age. 

The good news is that depression is highly treatable; 80% of patients report relief from symptoms after proper treatment. That’s why it’s vital to catch potential problems early, before they turn into full-blown issues. Talking to your kids about mental health and helping them find a reliable resource is one way to make sure they can get help when they need it most.

Treatments Work!

Here’s one number to know: More than 90 percent of people recover from a mental illness. Despite that fact, there is still a stigma attached to them. That’s why it’s so important that we talk about mental health—to end stigma and discrimination. And, by addressing mental illness early on, we can help prevent these chronic conditions from developing. Today’s generation has access to treatments that work—and more effective ones are being developed every day. To meet all development goals, we need to prioritize investing in mental health just like any other public health issue.—MentalHealth.gov / Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) / World Health Organization (WHO) / United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

We can prevent suicides by...

Suicide is a leading cause of death globally. In 2015, an estimated 800,000 people died by suicide, making it one of the leading causes of death among people aged 15–44 years. What’s more, each year, millions more suffer from nonfatal suicidal behavior or ideation that are significant problems with public health consequences. We can prevent suicides by promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders — like anxiety and depression — while also addressing alcohol consumption or drug use as a potential trigger. If a person exhibits dangerous behaviors towards themselves or others due to their illness they may need treatment through medication or therapy to help get them back on track and feeling better.