WHO Mental Health Reports: 727,000 Suicide Deaths in 2021
Why in the news
The World Health Organization’s reports World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 describe a growing global mental health burden and slow progress on suicide prevention.
Key facts
- Roughly 727,000 suicide deaths occurred globally in 2021.
- Over one billion people live with mental disorders.
- Anxiety and depression account for more than two-thirds of cases.
- Age-standardised prevalence rose to 13.6%, up 0.9 percentage points from a decade earlier.
- Current trends point to only a 12% reduction in suicide rates by 2030.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Suicide target under SDGs by 2030 | One-third reduction |
| Projected reduction on current trend | 12% |
Patterns noted
Young adults aged 20-29 show the biggest rise in prevalence. Males report more ADHD, autism and intellectual disabilities, while females report more anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Depression peaks between ages 50 and 69.
Exam angle
- Remember both report names: World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024.
- The gap between the one-third SDG goal and the 12% projection is a likely fact question.
- Link with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.