2024: Global growth in mental illness cases
Aug 1, 2024
The 2024 Mental Health Report, based on a survey conducted by Ipsos for the German insurer AXA, reveals a worrying increase in mental health problems worldwide. Currently, approximately 31% of the German population, 36% of Mexicans, and 40% of Americans suffer from a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. This negative trend has intensified in most of the countries analyzed compared to 2023.
Global trends and generational differences
The survey, carried out in 16 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, shows that mental health has worsened in places such as France, Ireland, Mexico, and Turkey, with increases of up to 8%. However, the Philippines was the only nation where cases decreased.
A key aspect is the generational gap. Young people between 18 and 34 years old are the most affected, especially in Ireland, Turkey, and the United States. In the 18–24 age group, 43% reported suffering from a mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most common. In contrast, the incidence decreases among older adults: only 14% of people between 65 and 75 years old reported mental health problems.
Gender gap and diagnosis
The study also highlights a gender difference: women report more mental health problems than men, especially at younger ages. Additionally, there are differences in how people receive a diagnosis. In Germany, 57% of cases were diagnosed by mental health professionals, while 16% of people self-diagnosed. In other countries, this practice is even more common, reaching 60% in the Philippines and 36% in Turkey.
Importance of professional treatment
The report emphasizes the importance of professional help in treating mental illness. In Germany, 57% of those who sought assistance managed to recover. However, there is still a gap in access to treatment, as 24% of Germans and 25% of Japanese do not seek help. The German Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN) warns that mental illnesses are one of the leading causes of loss of healthy life years, reducing life expectancy by up to 10 years.
2024: Global growth in mental illness cases
Aug 1, 2024
The 2024 Mental Health Report, based on a survey conducted by Ipsos for the German insurer AXA, reveals a worrying increase in mental health problems worldwide. Currently, approximately 31% of the German population, 36% of Mexicans, and 40% of Americans suffer from a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. This negative trend has intensified in most of the countries analyzed compared to 2023.
Global trends and generational differences
The survey, carried out in 16 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, shows that mental health has worsened in places such as France, Ireland, Mexico, and Turkey, with increases of up to 8%. However, the Philippines was the only nation where cases decreased.
A key aspect is the generational gap. Young people between 18 and 34 years old are the most affected, especially in Ireland, Turkey, and the United States. In the 18–24 age group, 43% reported suffering from a mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most common. In contrast, the incidence decreases among older adults: only 14% of people between 65 and 75 years old reported mental health problems.
Gender gap and diagnosis
The study also highlights a gender difference: women report more mental health problems than men, especially at younger ages. Additionally, there are differences in how people receive a diagnosis. In Germany, 57% of cases were diagnosed by mental health professionals, while 16% of people self-diagnosed. In other countries, this practice is even more common, reaching 60% in the Philippines and 36% in Turkey.
Importance of professional treatment
The report emphasizes the importance of professional help in treating mental illness. In Germany, 57% of those who sought assistance managed to recover. However, there is still a gap in access to treatment, as 24% of Germans and 25% of Japanese do not seek help. The German Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN) warns that mental illnesses are one of the leading causes of loss of healthy life years, reducing life expectancy by up to 10 years.