India, April 24 -- Mental health conditions now affect more than a billion people worldwide, yet the public health response has not kept pace with the growing need. Experts warn that depression and anxiety are rising sharply among young people, with one in seven adolescents impacted.
Since 2010, anxiety disorders in teens aged 15-19 have surged nearly 70%, while depression has increased by about 30%. These trends carry long-term consequences for education, employment, and overall wellbeing.
The economic burden is equally severe. Anxiety and depression alone are estimated to cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually. Despite this, mental health spending remains low, accounting for just 2.1% of health budgets worldwide.
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