Mental health
for emotional wellbeing & strength in vulnerability
The Global Mental Health Crisis
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people globally will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Of the millions of people affected, nearly two thirds never seek professional help due to social stigma or lack of access to support.
Societal Influences on Mental Health
There are several factors that affect mental health, including:
- Social Stigma: Reluctance to seek help for mental health issues due to the negative perception and stigma associated with mental illness.
- Access to Care: Not having access to mental health services, either due to geographic, economic, or systemic barriers.
- Economic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and financial insecurity.
- Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events such as war, abuse, or natural disasters.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse can lead to or exacerbate mental health conditions, and may also be a coping mechanism for those struggling with poor mental health.
- Social Factors: Loneliness and social isolation.
Poor mental health can also have a vicious cycle effect, exacerbating the impact of the other factors.
Gender and Mental Health
Social norms and expectations, as well as unique stressors, can have a significant impact on how individuals experience mental health issues.
Women are statistically more likely to suffer from abuse, sexual violence, and discrimination which can cause long-term damage to their mental wellbeing. Meanwhile, stresses such as job loss, financial insecurity and relationship difficulties have been identified as leading concerns for men’s mental health.
Women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, while men are more prone to substance abuse and antisocial personality disorder. Additionally, men are more likely than women to die by suicide, accounting for 78% of all suicides worldwide.
The Mental State of the World Report found, on average, 51% of non-binary people are clinically distressed or struggling. Non-binary people often face discrimination, lack of acceptance, and pressure to explain or defend their identity, which can increase feelings of isolation and heavily impact their mental health.
At i=Change, we are committed to supporting NGOS that reduce stigma, provide resources for those who need assistance, and advocate for better mental health outcomes for entire communities.
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