Mental disorders in the world are expected to cost billions of dollars

Mental health disorders are expected to drain $ 16 trillion a year from the global economy by 2030, experts said.

According to the authors of a new report, the burden of mental illness is increasing in every country on the planet.

The Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development urged high-income countries like the UK to spend 10% of their health budget on mental health.

Currently, mental health has received less than 5%, even in these richer countries.

Low- and middle-income countries should increase mental health spending from less than 1 percent of the budget to at least 5 percent, said the commission, which brought together 28 experts from around the world.

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Professor Vikram Patel, Editor-in-Chief of the Commission at Harvard Medical School in the United States, said, "Mental health is the foundation of human beings that make each life interesting and rewarding.

"That's why there can be no sustainable development without paying attention to mental health.

"Anyone who cares about poverty, education, social cohesion or economic progress should work to improve mental health by putting into practice the vast knowledge we have about advocacy, prevention and care. care."

The report, launched at the first Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health in London, said people with mental illness still suffered from "gross violations of human rights" in many countries.

These included chains, torture and imprisonment. The Commission called for a human rights approach to addressing mental health issues.

Dr. Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet, said, "The Commission is calling for the shameful and shocking treatment of people with mental health problems around the world."

He added: "Everyone is dignity, autonomy and protection against discrimination."

The Commission has also recommended a "global shift to community care" for the mentally ill.

Community health workers, general practitioners, peers, teachers and clergy should all play a role, the report said.

Experts added that special attention should be given to helping children and adolescents, faced with rising rates of mental illness.

Professor Helen Herrman, President of the World Psychiatric Association, said, "We have seen an increase in mental illness among young people when, with all the knowledge we have, we should see a decrease.– Press Association