As of 2021, an estimated 359 million people worldwide were living with an anxiety disorder, including 72 million children and adolescents. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition globally, affecting approximately 4.4% of the global population.

They involve excessive fear, worry, and behavioural disturbances that can significantly impact daily life. Symptoms may include:

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Irritability, tension, or restlessness

• Nausea, abdominal distress, heart palpitations

• Sweating, trembling, sleep disturbances

• A persistent sense of impending danger

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depression cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.

Treatment:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies

• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications

• Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and stress management techniques

Early interventions include digital tools, community-based programs, and support in schools, workplaces, and primary care can reduce severity and long-term impact, especially in underserved areas.

Eating disorders are a global issue, affecting over 70 million people worldwide. Prevalence may appear higher in developed countries due to better reporting, but the burden is growing worldwide and increasingly recognised across all socioeconomic contexts.

Symptoms can include emotional distress, rigid food routines, physical changes like missed periods or dizziness.

There are many types including:

Anorexia nervosa: Restriction and fear of weight gain

Bulimia nervosa: Bingeing and purging cycles

Binge eating disorder: Emotional overeating without purging

OSFED/UFED: Atypical but distressing patterns

ARFID, Pica, Rumination, Diabulimia: Less common but clinically significant

Facts:

• Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ youth, men, older adults, veterans, athletes, and people with disabilities face higher risks and lower diagnosis rates.

• In many non-Western cultures, disordered eating may manifest differently, sometimes linked to religious fasting, self-control, or emotional regulation rather than body image concerns.

• Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness

• Fewer than 6% of those affected are medically “underweight”

• People in larger bodies are often overlooked

• Stigma, lack of training, and limited mental health infrastructure mean many cases go unrecognised or untreated in low-resource settings.

Treatment:

• Early help from a professional is key

• Includes CBT, nutritional support, peer mentorship, and charities support

Depression is a genuine medical condition marked by persistent sadness lasting weeks or months, not just temporary low mood. Symptoms range from emotional (hopelessness, tearfulness, anxiety) to physical (fatigue, poor sleep, appetite changes, aches), and severity can vary from mild to suicidal thoughts.

Globally, depression affects an estimated 3.8% of the population, including 5% of adults, 5.7% of adults over 60, and millions of children. It is about 50% more common in women than men.

While women are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts, men are over twice as likely to die by suicide. Each year, around 720,000 people die by suicide, making it the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

Despite the availability of effective treatments, over 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no care due to stigma, underinvestment, and a shortage of trained providers.

Causes of depression may include life events (such as bereavement or job loss), genetic predisposition, or no clear trigger. Treatment depends on severity and may involve:

• Lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep hygiene)

• Talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Medication

• Support groups and self-help resources

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition affecting around 37 million people globally.

It involves extreme mood swings between high (mania or hypomania) and low (depression) states, with periods of stability in between.

Mania may include elevated mood, impulsivity, reduced need for sleep, and in severe cases, delusions or hallucinations.

Depressive episodes bring persistent sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.

There are two main types:

Bipolar I: full manic episodes, often with depression

Bipolar II: hypomania and depression without full mania

Causes are multifactorial, including genetic, psychological, and social factors, with triggers like trauma, substance use, and major life changes.

Facts:

• Contributes significantly to disability and premature death.

• Individuals with bipolar disorder have a short life span by about 13 years on average

• Misdiagnosis and lack of treatment are common, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

• WHO emphasises integrated, rights-based care and urges global action to close treatment gaps and reduce stigma.

• Stable environments and supportive employment can aid recovery

Treatment:

• Medications: Mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, cautious use of antidepressants.

• Psychosocial support: CBT, psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, peer and family involvement.

• Hospital care may be needed during crises.

Self-Management & Support:

• Managing triggers such as stress or sleep disruption is essential.

• Healthy routines, diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol/drugs help stabilise mood.

• Support available from GPs, mental health specialists, charities like Mind, and peer networks.

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition classified as a type of psychosis, where individuals may struggle to distinguish their thoughts from reality. It affects approximately 23 million people worldwide (about 1 in 345) and is associated with a life expectancy nine years shorter than the general population.

Common symptoms:

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

• Delusions

• Disorganised thinking and speech

• Social withdrawal and emotional detachment

• Highly disorganised behaviour or extreme agitation

• Persistent cognitive difficulties (memory, attention, decision-making etc.)

Misconceptions:

• Schizophrenia does not involve split personalities.

• It rarely leads to violence, despite media portrayals.

Triggers:

• Exact cause is unknown

• Likely involves a mix of genetic and environmental factors

• Triggers may include stress, drug misuse, or trauma

Treatment options include antipsychotic medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoeducation and family interventions, psychosocial rehabilitation, support from community mental health teams and peer support groups can aid daily coping and recovery.